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Easy Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

Three stacked squares of gooey pecan pie bars showing a thick shortbread crust and rich pecan topping.
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Make these simple pecan pie bars for a dessert that captures the rich, gooey flavor of classic pecan pie in an easy, sliceable format with a buttery shortbread crust.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven.
  5. Prepare the gooey pecan filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
  6. Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated in the filling mixture.
  7. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked shortbread crust.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are bubbling.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
  10. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For cleaner slices, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
  • You can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling for a deeper nutty flavor.
  • These sliceable pecan treats are excellent for potluck dessert ideas and can be made ahead of time.

Nutrition

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