Tempting Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie bars represent the ultimate Southern dessert sensation that combines rich, buttery flavors with nutty crunch.

Sweet memories of family gatherings flood back with every delightful bite of these irresistible bars.

Crisp pastry layers provide a sublime foundation for the gooey, caramelized filling that melts in your mouth.

Buttery pecans scattered across the surface create a delectable texture that transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Warm spices and golden syrup intertwine, promising a dessert experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Why Pecan Pie Bars Are Rich and Satisfying

• Unleash Nutty Decadence: These pecan pie bars deliver an incredible explosion of rich, toasted pecan flavor with a perfectly buttery, caramelized base that transforms classic pie into an easy-to-serve dessert.
• Simplify Baking Magic: The recipe eliminates traditional pie-making complexity by creating a straightforward bar format that requires minimal skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Elevate Comfort Dessert: Browned butter technique adds sophisticated depth, creating a luxurious nutty undertone that elevates these bars from ordinary sweet treat to gourmet-style indulgence perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weekend gatherings.
• Convenient Crowd-Pleaser: Cutting into neat squares makes serving effortless, allowing guests to enjoy individual portions without the fuss of traditional pie slicing, ideal for large family events or casual entertaining.

Everything You Need for Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for creating a sturdy and delicious crust with a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Key ingredient for creating a rich, nutty brown butter base with deep flavor.

• Dark Corn Syrup: Gives the classic pecan pie filling its signature glossy and gooey texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Eggs: Binds the filling together and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to complement the pecans.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Pecan Halves: Star ingredient that provides crunch, nutty flavor, and signature pecan pie texture.

How to Bake Perfect Pecan Pie Bars at Home

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Golden Brown Butter

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma. Quickly transfer to a mixing bowl to stop cooking.

Step 3: Mix Crust Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Browned butter

Gradually add flour and mix until the dough looks evenly moistened with no dry patches.

Step 4: Form the Crust Layer

Press the dough firmly into the pan bottom, creating a smooth, even layer that reaches all corners.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the crust is just set. Gently press down any large bubbles if needed.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

• Melted butter
• Dark corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix until completely smooth.

Step 7: Add Pecans to Filling

Stir pecan halves into the filling, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Step 8: Bake the Bars

Pour the pecan-filled mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading pecans evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling puffs up and sets.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Use parchment paper handles to lift out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Smart Tips for Pecan Pie Bar Success

• Slice with Precision: Clean your knife between each cut to achieve pristine, crumb-free edges that look professionally prepared.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature before cutting, preventing messy crumbling and helping the filling set perfectly.
• Butter Matters: Select premium unsalted butter for a rich, smooth base that elevates the entire dessert's depth of flavor.
• Temperature Control: Rotate the baking pan midway through cooking to guarantee uniform golden-brown crust and prevent uneven browning.
• Dough Handling: Refrigerate the crust mixture for 20 minutes if it feels too soft, making pressing into the pan smoother and more manageable.

Best Storage Tips for Pecan Pie Bars

Cool bars completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation and maintain crisp texture. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place in a hard-sided container with a secure lid to protect delicate pecan topping from absorbing refrigerator odors. Store in the refrigerator’s middle shelf where temperature remains consistent, ensuring maximum freshness for 3-4 days.

Freezing Method: Slice bars into individual portions before freezing for easier future serving. Layer bars between sheets of parchment paper inside a rigid freezer container to prevent sticking and freezer burn. Seal container with an airtight lid, labeling with date and contents. Frozen bars maintain peak quality for 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, allowing bars to gradually return to ideal serving temperature without compromising delicate pecan layer.

Delicious Variations on Classic Pecan Pie Bars

• Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bar: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the baked bars and sprinkle sea salt for a rich, decadent version. Swap corn syrup with homemade caramel sauce to enhance depth of flavor.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Bar: Replace dark corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a sophisticated adult-friendly treat. Toast the pecans before mixing into the filling to intensify their nutty profile.
• Coconut Rum Pecan Bar: Mix shredded coconut into the crust and incorporate a tablespoon of rum into the filling for a tropical-inspired dessert. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Gluten-Free Almond Pecan Bar: Substitute regular flour with almond flour to create a gluten-free alternative. Add ground almonds to the crust for extra nuttiness and a crumbly texture that complements the pecan filling.

Ending on a Sweet Note with Pecan Pie Bars

Sweet Southern charm meets culinary excellence with Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie bars.

Complex layers of browned butter and caramelized pecans create an irresistible dessert experience.

Rich nutty flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite, promising indulgence beyond traditional pie.

Buttery crust provides perfect balance against glossy, deep-brown filling packed with pecans.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these bars elevate classic comfort desserts with unexpected depth.

Passionate bakers and casual dessert enthusiasts will find pure joy in this recipe’s harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Craving more deliciousness?

Share this mouthwatering creation, drop a comment celebrating pecan perfection, and spread sweet happiness with fellow dessert lovers!

Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comforting Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars deliver southern charm with a buttery graham cracker crust and rich caramel-like pecan filling. Generous layers of nutty sweetness invite warm gatherings and delightful dessert moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups pecan halves
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dark corn syrup

Sugar and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar

Butter and Seasoning:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (1 cup + ½ cup melted)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for effortless removal.
2. Transform butter into a rich, golden-brown state by heating in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until the butter develops a nutty aroma, then swiftly transfer to a medium bowl to halt the cooking process.
3. Integrate granulated sugar and salt into the browned butter. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing thoroughly until the dough achieves a uniform consistency with no dry pockets remaining.
4. Distribute the dough evenly across the prepared pan’s bottom, applying firm pressure to create a smooth, compact layer that reaches into every corner.
5. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the crust sets. If large bubbles appear, gently press them down.
6. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture becomes silky and well-combined.
7. Fold pecan halves into the filling, ensuring each nut receives an even coating of the sweet mixture.
8. Carefully pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, distributing pecans uniformly. Return to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling rises and sets completely.
9. Allow the bars to cool entirely on a wire rack within the pan. Utilize the parchment paper’s overhanging edges to lift the dessert, then slice into individual squares for serving.

Notes

• Dark corn syrup creates the signature gooey, glossy texture that makes these bars irresistibly delicious.
• Browned butter transforms the classic dessert with a rich, nutty depth that elevates the entire recipe.
• Toasting pecans before adding them to the filling intensifies their natural sweetness and provides a deeper flavor profile.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth, well-incorporated filling without lumps or separation.
• Cooling the bars completely ensures clean, precise cuts and allows the filling to set perfectly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg