Easy Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe: Irresistible Sweet Treat
Joanna Gaines’s pecan bars blend southern charm with irresistible sweetness that transforms ordinary dessert moments into something magical.
Nutty, caramelized flavors dance across a golden, crisp foundation that promises pure indulgence.
Her signature recipe captures the essence of comfort baking with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Homemade desserts tell stories of tradition, love, and culinary creativity through every delectable bite.
Simple ingredients merge into a symphony of textures that delight both casual snackers and serious bakers.
These bars represent more than just a sweet treat – they embody a warm, welcoming spirit that makes gatherings memorable.
Each slice promises a journey of rich, buttery pleasure that lingers long after the last crumb disappears: prepare to be enchanted.
Why You’ll Crave Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars
What Goes Into Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars
Crust Ingredients:Filling Ingredients:Easy Guide to Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars
Step 1: Prep the Baking Stage
Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a light spray with cooking oil. Create a parchment paper lining that extends 2 inches over the pan edges for easy removal.
Step 2: Craft the Buttery Crust
Grab your mixer and blend these ingredients until creamy:Add all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 3: Whip Up the Pecan Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:Gently fold in 1 pecan pieces until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Layer and Bake to Perfection
Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust, spreading it into an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a set filling with a rich golden-brown color.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, sitting on a wire rack. This takes about 1.5 hours. For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. Slice into 12 delectable pieces.
Smart Tips for Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars
Storing Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars the Right Way
Store layered between parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling. Refrigeration keeps these delectable bars crisp and delicious for 5 days, preserving their rich buttery texture and nutty flavor.
Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for extended enjoyment up to 2 months. Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight before serving to restore their original mouthwatering quality and prevent moisture loss.
Protect bars from absorbing other food odors by using sealed containers at the back of the refrigerator. Quick cooling before storage prevents condensation and maintains the bars’ signature crumbly, golden crust.
Switch It Up: Pecan Bars by Joanna Gaines
Parting Thoughts on Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars
Homemade pecan bars from Joanna Gaines bring Southern comfort straight to kitchen counters worldwide.
Sweet, nutty layers create an irresistible dessert experience that connects generations through classic baking techniques.
Pecans nestled within a buttery crust promise delectable moments of culinary bliss.
Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe balances rustic charm with elegant flavor profiles.
Warm memories emerge from each carefully crafted square, inviting celebration and connection.
Passionate bakers, share this delightful creation across social networks, spark conversation with fellow dessert enthusiasts, and spread sweet joy through delicious inspiration.
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Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars offer southern comfort in a sweet, buttery package. Layers of rich shortbread crust and caramelized pecans create a luxurious dessert that brings warmth to any gathering while satisfying your deepest sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pecan pieces (6 ounces)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Sweet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup dark or light corn syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by heating the oven to 175°C / 350°F. Thoroughly coat an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with cooking spray. Create a parchment paper sling with a 2-inch (5cm) overhang on all sides for easy removal.
- Craft the buttery foundation by combining unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a stand mixer. Blend until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until a crumbly texture develops. Gently press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring uniform coverage. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges turn a rich golden-brown.
- Simultaneously develop the luscious filling by whisking corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Create a harmonious blend by folding in pecan pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Once the crust emerges from the oven, immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot surface. Use a spatula to spread the mixture into a consistent layer, ensuring complete coverage of the golden crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes. The filling should set completely and develop a deep golden-brown color, indicating perfect doneness.
- Allow the bars to cool entirely at room temperature using a wire rack. This process typically takes approximately 1.5 hours. For optimal texture and flavor, refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or ideally overnight.
- Utilize the parchment paper sling to carefully lift the cooled dessert from the pan. Slice into 12 precisely cut squares, ready to be served and enjoyed.
Notes
- Chill the butter until it’s just soft enough to cream, preventing overworked dough that becomes tough.
- Grate cold butter directly into the flour mixture for the most even, flaky crust texture possible.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that holds together perfectly.
- Tap the pan gently after filling to release any potential air bubbles that might cause surface imperfections.
- Cool bars at room temperature first, then refrigerate to achieve the cleanest, most precise cutting lines.
- Check the filling’s consistency by gently shaking the pan – it should have a slight wobble but not look liquid.
- Dust with powdered sugar only after the bars have completely cooled to prevent moisture from making the sugar dissolve.
- Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain the bars’ delicate texture.
- Use a sharp, clean knife wiped between cuts to ensure smooth, professional-looking bar slices.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature beforehand to guarantee smooth mixing and consistent baking results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 294
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 198mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 2.9g
- Cholesterol: 3.3mg
Ethan Miller
Founder & Lead Content Writer
Expertise
Education
Portland Community College
Culinary Institute of the Pacific
Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.
He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.