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Easy Pecan Pie Bars

These Easy Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, caramel-like pecan topping. Perfect for holidays or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup cold butter ( sticks), grated
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar (for filling)
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ¾ cup butter ( sticks, melted)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp salt (for filling)
  • 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture and rub it with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, heavy cream, and salt.
  6. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon if using, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans.
  8. Pour the hot filling over the warm crust and return to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
  9. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, dessert, easy recipes, holidays