Indulge in the sweet and nutty delight of pecan pie in convenient bar form with this irresistible pecan pie bars recipe.
These bars capture all the flavors of traditional pecan pie – from the buttery crust to the rich, gooey filling packed with crunchy pecans.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a simple dessert at home, these pecan pie bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy the decadent taste of pecan pie without the hassle of making a traditional pie crust.
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious pecan pie bars!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups
- Confectioners’ sugar – 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – 3/4 cup
For the Filling:
- Eggs – 3 large
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Light corn syrup – 3/4 cup
- Unsalted butter, melted – 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Chopped pecans – 2 cups
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and confectioners’ sugar.
Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake the Crust:
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Nutritional Facts
Servings: About 24 bars
Calories per serving: Approximately 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Health Benefits
While Pecan Pie Bars are typically considered a dessert and may not be as inherently nutritious as some other foods, they can still offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation and with certain modifications:
Pecans:
Pecans are nutrient-dense nuts rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
They are a good source of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which has been associated with improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
Pecans also provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Whole Grain Flour:
Some recipes for Pecan Pie Bars may use whole grain flour instead of refined flour for the crust, increasing the fiber content and providing additional nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Whole grain flour supports digestive health, blood sugar control, and heart health.
Natural Sweeteners:
Some recipes may use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or dates instead of refined sugar to sweeten the filling.
These sweeteners add sweetness and flavor without the added calories or negative health effects of refined sugar.
Portion Control:
Enjoying Pecan Pie Bars in moderation helps control caloric intake and can prevent excessive consumption of added sugars and fats.
Portion control is essential for maintaining a balanced diet and preventing overindulgence in calorie-dense foods.
Antioxidants:
Pecans contain antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tocopherols, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants may lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Nutrient Density:
While Pecan Pie Bars are calorie-dense, they also provide essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the pecans and other ingredients.
Enjoying them as an occasional treat can contribute to overall nutrient intake.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought:
Making Pecan Pie Bars at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, reduce the amount of added sugars and unhealthy fats, and customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Store-bought versions may contain higher levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
While Pecan Pie Bars may not be considered a health food, they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when made with wholesome ingredients and consumed in moderation.
Incorporating nutrient-dense foods and practicing portion control can help balance the nutritional profile of the bars and contribute to overall health and well-being.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. The flavor and texture may vary slightly.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Certainly! Pecan pie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze pecan pie bars?
Yes, you can freeze pecan pie bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, then thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, you can use dark corn syrup for a deeper flavor, but it may result in a slightly darker filling.
5. Can I omit the confectioners’ sugar in the crust?
The confectioners’ sugar helps create a tender crust, but you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet crust. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.