Hey there, baking friends! If you’ve ever craved that warm, nutty flavor that dances on your taste buds and fills your kitchen with a scent that’s simply divine, you’re in the right spot. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe for Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Pie Crust – a delightful treat that merges the classic goodness of pecan pie with the convenience of bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into buttery crust layered with sweet, gooey filling studded with crunchy pecans, all while enjoying a cozy afternoon with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Tempted? Let’s dive in!
Why Make This Recipe
So, why should you whip up a batch of these Rich Pecan Pie Bars? For starters, they bring all the goodness of traditional pecan pie but in a form that’s easy to share (or not!). Having a crowd-pleaser on hand for gatherings, holidays, or even just a cozy night with yourself is a win in my book. These bars are simple enough for a baking newbie, yet they feel truly special. Plus, they use refrigerated pie dough, cutting your prep time dramatically, we all need a little help in the kitchen sometimes!
These pecan pie bars can brighten up your day or become the star of your next potluck. They offer the right balance of sweetness and crunch, without overwhelming your senses. Let’s just say, they are comfort food done right.
How to Make Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Pie Crust
Making these bars is as straightforward as enjoying them! Here’s how you’ll do it.
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg (16 oz) refrigerated pie dough (contains 2 crusts)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
Prep the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the bars from sticking.
Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pie dough and gently place it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers to press the dough into the corners evenly. Don’t worry about it looking perfect; we’re going for rustic charm!
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined. This mix will create the gooey goodness that makes these bars sing.
Add the Pecans: Fold in the pecan halves and give it a gentle stir, ensuring each pecan is coated in the sweet mixture.
Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the prepared dough and spread it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top looks nicely browned.
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This part is crucial! Once cooled, cut them into bars, and feel free to get creative with how big or small you want each piece.
How to Serve Rich Pecan Pie Bars
Serve these delectable bars warm for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, or at room temperature for a more classic treat. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent, trust me, it’s heavenly! They’re perfect for a family dessert, a cozy gathering with friends, or even as a delightful afternoon snack. Each bite is like a warm hug, and who doesn’t want that?
How to Store Rich Pecan Pie Bars
You can store any leftover bars (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for about a week. To freeze them, just place the bars in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, perfect for a sweet surprise later!
Tips to Make Rich Pecan Pie Bars
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels soft to the touch, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before you press it into the pan. It makes for easier handling.
- Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can mix in walnuts or even use a different combination of nuts for a unique flavor.
- Add Flavors: Spice it up with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling to give an extra warmth.
- Cutting Technique: For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between each cut.
Variation
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, consider making a chocolate version. Just add some chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful twist that brings additional richness to the bars. You won’t regret it!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated pie dough?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade pie crust will enhance the flavor even more, just ensure it’s chilled before rolling out.
2. What should I do if my filling is too runny?
It’s important to let your bars cool completely in the pan to set the filling properly. If they’re still too runny, they might need more time in the oven.
3. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up and add other nuts like walnuts or even pistachios for a fun variation on this classic recipe.
There you have it, baking enthusiasts! This is a recipe that’s sure to impress and become a favorite in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, warm up that oven, and let’s create something wonderful today. Happy baking!
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Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Pie Crust
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pecan pie bars with a buttery crust and gooey filling, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (16 oz) refrigerated pie dough (contains 2 crusts)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Unroll the refrigerated pie dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in the pecan halves and gently stir.
- Pour the filling over the prepared dough and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is nicely browned.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then cut into bars.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg