Pecan Pie Bars

They’re just like pecan pie, but no need for the knife and fork!

Pecan pie is a family favorite for many, myself included.

The shortbread base also needs to get pre-baked for a bit to set up.

Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Cindy Rahe

It is not as sweet as a shortbread cookie, but this will balance with the sweet pecan topping.

The center pieces are gooey but won’t smoosh out the sides when you take a bite.

Meanwhile the edges get deeply caramelized and chewy where they touch the pan.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Cindy Rahe

But really, you cant go wrong, no matter what piece you get.

Vanilla Paste Vs.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla paste is a great substitute for either vanilla beans or extract.

Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Cindy Rahe

It has a gel-like consistency with tons of tiny vanilla beans suspended in it.

Do You Have to Use Corn Syrup?

Both of these sugars make a sweeter pie that prominently carry the respective flavor of their ingredients.

Pecan Pie Bars in an 8x8 Pan fill the crust

Cindy Rahe

The top should be dry to the touch, with a bit of give beneath the surface.

You dont want it to jiggle.

But you also dont want them to bake too long and become puffy in the center.

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars cool the bars

Cindy Rahe

To store longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for about 4 days.

Bring the bars back up to room temperature for best texture.

They should keep for up to 2 months.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars add the flour and butter to the food processor

Cindy Rahe

More Desserts With Pecans!

Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan (metal or glass) with parchment.

Pulse the flour, sugar, salt, and butter into a food processor until combined.

Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust pulse the crust

Cindy Rahe

The mixture will be sandy.

Continue to process the mixture until it goes from sandy to clumpy.

When this starts to happen the food processor will actually sound different.

Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust pulse the crust until it clumps up

Cindy Rahe

It will be less high-pitched and have more of a low rumble sound.

Once the crust mixture clumps up, transfer it from the food processor to the prepared pan.

Press it firmly and evenly in the bottom of the pan.

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars add crust to pan

Cindy Rahe

Add the chopped pecans to a mixing bowl and set aside.

Pulse until completely combined.

Pour the mixture over the chopped pecans and fold to combine.

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars press the crust into the pan

Cindy Rahe

Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 350F.

Scrape the pecan mixture onto the baked crust.

Place an extra few pecan halves on the top of the filling as decoration.

Pecan Pie Bars in an 8x8 Pan prick the crust with a fork

Cindy Rahe

Cool the bars on a rack completely before lifting from the pan.

Cut into 2x2-inch squares and serve.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Pecan Pie Bars in an 8x8 Pan combine the nuts

Cindy Rahe

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars add the eggs

Cindy Rahe

Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust combine the wet ingredients

Cindy Rahe

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars pour the mix over the chopped bars

Cindy Rahe

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars add the pecans

Cindy Rahe

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