The Easiest Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe Ever

Pecan pie bars dance with sweet, nutty elegance on a buttery shortbread foundation that melts in your mouth.

Southern baking traditions inspire this delectable dessert with layers of rich, caramelized complexity.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create a textural symphony that captures the essence of comfort food.

Warm spices and golden pecans craft a simple treat into a memorable indulgence.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of crumbly crust and luscious filling that speaks to classic home cooking.

The recipe balances simplicity and sophistication, inviting you to experience a nostalgic dessert reimagined as an irresistible handheld delight.

Reasons to Love Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Decadent Layered Delight: These pecan pie bars combine a buttery shortbread base with a rich, gooey pecan topping, creating a luxurious dessert that's easier to serve than traditional pie.
• Quick and Versatile Treat: Requiring just one pan and simple ingredients, these bars are perfect for busy bakers who want a showstopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. They're portable, make-ahead friendly, and great for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
• Textural Masterpiece: The crisp, crumbly shortbread provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, caramel-like pecan filling, delivering a satisfying crunch and creamy mouthfeel in every single bite. Each layer offers a different sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them an ideal dessert for planning ahead. The recipe's make-ahead potential means less stress and more enjoyment during special occasions or random sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Flour: Provides the base structure for the crisp, buttery crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Cold Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the shortbread base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the crust.

• Pecans: Star ingredient that gives the bars a classic nutty crunch and rich flavor.
• Whipping Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy filling.
• Butter: Provides additional richness and helps bind the topping.
• Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture and prevents crystallization.
• Maple Syrup: Adds complex sweetness and signature maple flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of bars and prevents sticking.

Instructions for Baking Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper

Ensure oven rack is in the middle position

Step 2: Create Shortbread Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract

Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in food processor

Gradually add cold butter pieces, pulsing between additions

Mix until dough becomes crumbly

Add vanilla extract and pulse briefly

Press dough evenly into prepared pan

Step 3: Bake Shortbread Base

Bake for 15-17 minutes

Look for light golden brown edges

Keep oven temperature consistent

Step 4: Craft Pecan Pie Topping

• Pecans
• Whipping cream
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Maple syrup

Combine all topping ingredients in medium saucepan

Heat over medium temperature

Stir until mixture starts bubbling

Step 5: Assemble and Finish Bars

Pour hot pecan mixture over warm shortbread

Spread evenly across surface

Return pan to oven

Bake additional 15 minutes

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes

Transfer to refrigerator

Chill for 1 hour

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove from refrigerator

Lift bars using parchment paper

Heat knife under hot water for clean cuts

Slice into desired bar sizes

Pro Tips for Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Chill the Butter: Use extremely cold butter for the most crumbly and flaky shortbread crust, cutting it into small cubes before adding to the food processor.
• Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and bring out deeper, richer notes in the final dessert.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Watch the pecan mixture carefully while heating to prevent burning, stirring consistently to create a smooth, glossy caramel-like topping.
• Clean Cutting Technique: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice to ensure clean, precise cuts through the sticky pecan layer.
• Storage Strategy: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before freezing to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn, allowing quick single-serving defrosting.

How to Store and Warm Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 4 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for soft, creamy texture before serving.

Best Pairings for Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Pair with Bourbon Bliss: Serve these decadent pecan pie bars alongside a smooth bourbon neat or an old fashioned cocktail. The caramel and nutty notes in the bourbon perfectly complement the rich, sweet flavors of the pecan topping.
• Creamy Coffee Companion: Enjoy these bars with a warm cup of freshly brewed dark roast coffee or a creamy cappuccino. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the buttery shortbread crust.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Dream: Top a warm pecan pie bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey pecan filling, creating a delightful taste sensation.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a tawny port. These wines echo the caramel and nutty undertones of the pecan bars, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Creative Variations for Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

• Chocolate Pecan Paradise: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars or mix chocolate chips into the pecan topping for a rich, decadent flavor explosion.
• Bourbon Caramel Crunch: Replace maple syrup with bourbon and add a sprinkle of sea salt to the pecan mixture for a sophisticated, adult-friendly version of the classic dessert.
• Coconut Pecan Escape: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the pecan topping before the final bake, creating a tropical-inspired texture and nutty complement to the original recipe.
• Salted Maple Sensation: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup and top the bars with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and savory balance.

Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan pie bars blend Southern comfort with buttery shortbread in a delightful dessert. Rich caramel notes and toasted pecans create a luxurious treat that welcomes you to savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter
• 1 stick (113 grams) cold butter, cut into pieces

Supporting Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and warm to 350°F, then meticulously line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Utilize a food processor to blend flour, sugar, and salt into a uniform mixture.
3. Incorporate cold butter pieces incrementally, pulsing between additions until the mixture transforms into a crumbly, textured consistency.
4. Drizzle vanilla extract into the crumbly dough and pulse briefly to integrate. Gently press the mixture evenly across the prepared pan’s surface.
5. Bake the shortbread crust for 15-17 minutes, watching for a delicate golden-brown hue to develop. Maintain oven temperature.
6. Simultaneously, craft the pecan topping by combining pecans, whipping cream, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan.
7. Warm the pecan mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a gentle bubbling state.
8. Carefully cascade the hot pecan mixture over the warm shortbread base, spreading it uniformly to ensure complete coverage.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.
10. Extract from the oven and allow bars to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for a thorough 1-hour chilling period.
11. Once completely cooled, elevate the bars using parchment paper edges. Peel away parchment and slice into precise squares using a knife warmed under hot water.
12. Preserve bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator, or alternatively freeze for extended storage up to 4 months.

Notes

• Perfectly chilled bars ensure clean, precise cuts without crumbling, so allow full cooling time before slicing.
• Heating the knife under hot water prevents sticky residue and creates smooth, professional-looking bar edges.
• Parchment paper provides easy removal and prevents sticking, making cleanup and serving a breeze.
• Corn syrup creates that classic gooey pecan pie texture, giving these bars their signature rich, glossy finish.
• Refrigeration not only helps set the bars but intensifies the caramel-like flavor of the pecan topping.
• Freezing extends the shelf life up to 4 months, making these bars a great make-ahead dessert for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg