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Best Ever Easy Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

A close-up, mouthwatering view of a single serving of pecan pie bars showing the buttery shortbread crust and gooey pecan topping.
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You get all the rich, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie in easy, sliceable bars. These treats feature a simple, buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, making them perfect for holidays or quick desserts.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves or pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup softened butter, powdered sugar, flour, and salt. Mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and comes together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the gooey pecan filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, 1/4 cup melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pecans.
  5. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot, partially baked shortbread crust.
  6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pecans are lightly toasted. The center should look mostly set, not liquid.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for clean slicing.
  8. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the cleanest slices, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting.
  • You can toast your pecans lightly before adding them to the filling for deeper flavor.
  • These **make ahead dessert bars** store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/pecan-pie-bars/