Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Gooey, Buttery, and Irresistibly Easy to Make

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Souhail

If you love the cozy, nutty sweetness of pecan pie but want something a little more grab-and-go, these pecan pie bars are about to become your new obsession. I first made them one chilly November afternoon when I wanted all the warmth of a Thanksgiving dessert without committing to a full pie. The result? Buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey caramel-pecan filling that tastes like autumn in every bite.

These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They have all the richness of classic pecan pie—deep, buttery sweetness with a satisfying crunch—but they’re easier to slice, share, and pack for later. Whether you serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them cold with your morning coffee, they’ll never disappoint.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Pecan Pie Bars

Let’s be honest — pecan pie is one of those desserts that just feels like a hug in dessert form. But here’s the thing: sometimes you want that same gooey, buttery magic without the fuss of rolling out pie dough or carefully watching the crust. That’s where these Pecan Pie Bars come in.

I’ve made these bars countless times for potlucks, Friendsgiving dinners, and cozy weekend baking sessions, and they never last long. They’ve got that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, a sticky-sweet brown sugar filling, and crunchy toasted pecans that make every bite feel like a celebration.

Here’s what makes this recipe extra special:

• Buttery shortbread base: Instead of traditional pie crust, we use a simple shortbread layer that’s crisp and crumbly in the best way. It perfectly balances the soft, gooey filling.
• Rich caramel filling: The mix of brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter creates a smooth caramel flavor that coats every pecan.
• Perfectly sliceable: You can cut them into neat little squares — no need to worry about messy pie slices.
• Make-ahead friendly: These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Versatile: Add a touch of bourbon for a deeper flavor or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.

And if you’re a fan of Southern-inspired sweets, you’ll also love this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe, which takes those same pecan pie flavors to the next level with rich cocoa.

Easy Customizations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the shortbread crust.
• Vegan: Substitute vegan butter and a flax egg for an equally gooey, dairy-free version.
• Lower sugar: Try using maple syrup instead of corn syrup and reduce the sugar slightly for a more natural sweetness.

My Best Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars Every Time

After making these more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this recipe from good to unforgettable.

• Toast your pecans first. This single step enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. (You can follow the same technique from my Fried Apples Recipe for toasting nuts on the stovetop!)
• Line your pan with parchment paper. It makes lifting and cutting the bars clean and effortless.
• Don’t overbake. The filling should still have a little jiggle when you take it out. It’ll set perfectly as it cools.
• Cool completely before slicing. It’s tempting, I know — but letting the bars cool ensures clean cuts and perfect texture.
• A sprinkle of salt on top. Balances out all that sweet richness beautifully.

Variations You’ll Want to Try

These bars are a dream on their own, but if you’re in the mood to experiment, here are some fun twists:

• Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips into the filling. Think of it as a cross between brownies and pecan pie — pure decadence.
• Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Swap the corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a deeper, more aromatic sweetness.
• Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for that warm Southern touch.
• Coconut Pecan Bars: Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Apple Pecan Pie Bars: Layer thin apple slices between the crust and filling for a cozy fall variation — a mix between pecan pie and Apple Crisp with Oats.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are divine on their own, but here are a few ways to make them extra special:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair them with a cup of strong black coffee or spiced chai for an afternoon treat.
• For holiday tables, arrange them on a dessert platter alongside Lasagna Soup or other comforting mains — they make the perfect sweet finish.

Storage and Reheating

Pecan pie bars store beautifully, which makes them great for planning ahead.

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for about a week — just bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore that just-baked gooeyness.

Creative Ways to Use Pecan Pie Bars

• Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert sundae.
• Chop them into small cubes and mix into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet crunch.
• Use as a crumble topping for baked apples (try it with this Fried Apples Recipe).
• Pack them into holiday gift boxes — they travel and keep beautifully.

How To Make It

Pecan Pie Bars

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

340

kcal

Rich, buttery pecan pie bars with a shortbread crust and gooey caramel-pecan filling. Easy to make, perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• For the crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 0.75 cup brown sugar

• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour

• 0.25 teaspoon salt

• For the filling

• 0.75 cup light corn syrup

• 0.25 cup honey

• 1.25 cups brown sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 0.25 teaspoon salt

• 1.5 cups chopped pecans

Directions

• First, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
• While the crust bakes, whisk together corn syrup, honey, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
• Pour the filling evenly over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
• Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy plain or with a little whipped cream on top.

Notes

• Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor.
• Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.
• Bars cut cleaner when chilled.
• Don’t skip the parchment — it makes cleanup easy.
• A drizzle of melted chocolate takes them over the top.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 16
• Calories: 340kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g

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In Conclusion

If you’re craving something cozy, buttery, and downright irresistible, these Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. They’re easy to make, gorgeous to serve, and sure to be the dessert everyone asks for again and again.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy trying Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie or a cozy fall treat like Apple Crisp with Oats.

Now it’s your turn — bake a batch, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and tag me when you do!