If you adore the sumptuous, nutty taste of pecan pie but aren’t actually smitten by the idea of toiling away over a traditional pie crust, then Lazy Pecan Pie Bars seem to be the ultimate answer! These bars capture the habits of genuine pecan pie, sweet, buttery, slightly caramelized, but in just a fraction of the effort. These bars are ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or anything where you need an easily produced, fast, and tasty treat with a simple shortbread base and fuss-free filling of pecan accomplishment.
Now, let’s make this poultry’s lore recipe for pecan pie bars.
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Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Press into the Baking Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Bars
- Pour the Filling over the Crust: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the partially baked shortbread crust.
- Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The bars are done when the filling is firm but slightly jiggles in the center.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares or bars.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut and Serve: Once completely cool, cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy the delicious, gooey, nutty flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: These bars are at their best when served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They are really good served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage: Store these bars for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freezing: They freeze quite well. Wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap, and then put them inside a freezer-safe plastic bag for up to 3 months. Before serving, thaw at room temperature.
Helpful Notes:
Nuts: You can change any of the nuts-hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts-for fun fruit tastes with pecans.
Make Ahead: This can be done the night before; congeal the molasses and the nuts to melt together for a richer taste.
Chocolate Chips: For some fun, add 1⁄2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the mixture with other ingredients in the food processor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): Ree suggests using a pinch of cinnamon in the filling for another layer of warm, comforting flavors.
- Ina Garten: For extra flavor and crunch, Ina suggests briefly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet or in the oven before using them in the filling.
- Martha Stewart: Martha says line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal and cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup?
Sure, a much darker and richer flavor is obtained by substituting dark corn syrup, but enthusiastically remind that the proposed substitution will render bars a tad bit darker in color.
Can I Change This Recipe to Gluten-Free?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour will make the recipe gluten- free.
Can honey or maple syrup be used to replace corn syrup?
For corn syrup, see also this question. Honey or pure maple syrup does work if you don’t mind the texture and flavor being slightly different. The final texture may be softer as well.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Just watch for that middle with its slight jiggle. The filling should be mostly set but slightly firm, not squishy like jelly, and it should not be wet or sloppy.
What I need to know about serving the pecan pie bars?
Add some vanilla ice cream, some whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel and make the toppings its own feature.
How about throwing a few chocolate chips into the filling?
Yeah, that is really good and extra sweet! A variation-filled sweet! It’s fun for the honey-sweet person who craves nutty complexity and knowledge!
When I bake, how do I stop the bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan well or line with parchment paper and let the edges hang over, so you can lift the bars from the pan once it has cooled down.
Can I make an easier pie crust from the store instead of the shortbread crust?
Feel free to use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, but the shortbread crust will add a more buttery taste to the pecan filling.
Can margarine substitute butter?
Butter gives the dish its best flavor and texture, but margarine can replace it.
What’s a solution if the finished product comes out too gooey?
If the bars are too runny, bake them for an additional few minutes to firm them up a bit. Allow them to cool completely to set before cutting.
Conclusion:
The lazy way out of pecan pie yet perfect, these bars are edible versions of pecan pies without the hassle of dealing with a pie. These wonderful, indulgent treats made with lots of shortbread and nutty fillings in any of your special occasions are sure to win applause from family and friends. Legend has it that they stand upon one’s table with different pulls of other toppings or in sep- hemed through association with any short-term catering affair or easy holiday enjoyment.
