Indulging in a slice of Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day. The sweet, nutty aroma wafts through the air, beckoning everyone to gather around the kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into that buttery crust, the crunch of pecans harmonizing with the rich sweetness of brown sugar—pure bliss!
I vividly remember the first time I made these bars for my family reunion. My cousin, who usually claims to be on a strict diet, couldn’t resist sneaking back for seconds and thirds. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel festive and warm inside, perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as a midweek treat when you need a little pick-me-up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, even on busy days
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweet and nutty notes in each bite
- Visually appealing with a golden-brown crust and glistening pecans, they make an impressive dessert
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they’re perfect for parties or just because!
The first time I served these bars, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them; they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use fresh butter for that rich flavor; it’s essential for a flaky crust.
Brown Sugar: Go for light brown sugar; it adds depth and caramel notes to your bars.
Granulated Sugar: A bit of white sugar balances out the flavors perfectly.
Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for both the crust and the filling; sift it for best results.
Pecans: Toasted pecans enhance the flavor; chop them roughly for delightful bites in every slice.
Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract to elevate the overall taste.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and rounds out all flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare Your Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate flour gradually until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan evenly.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t over-brown; you want that perfect buttery base!
Create Your Filling: While waiting, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in another bowl until smooth. Add melted butter and stir in chopped pecans; mix well to combine.
Assemble & Bake Again: Pour this luscious filling over your baked crust evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools.
Cool & Slice Up!: Remove from the oven once done and let cool completely before slicing into bars. This step is essential if you want clean edges!
Enjoy those heavenly Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars with family or friends—they won’t last long!
You Must Know
- Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars are not just desserts; they’re an experience that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering
- The crunchy pecans combined with the rich brown sugar create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start with preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the crust ingredients before preparing the filling to maximize efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or a touch of bourbon for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative with nuts too!
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate to extend freshness. Reheat gently if you prefer a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pecans for a better crunch, and avoid overbaking to keep them chewy
- Always cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Adjust sweetness if you prefer less sugar in your dessert
The first time I made Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars, my entire family inhaled them like they were about to be taken off the menu forever.
FAQ
What can I substitute for brown sugar in Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars?
Use coconut sugar or a mix of white sugar with molasses for a similar flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blends.
How do I know when my Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars are done?
They should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when done baking.
Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars
Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich sweetness of brown sugar with the nutty crunch of pecans, all nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight indulgences, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this comforting dessert in no time. Get ready to savor every delicious bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in melted butter and chopped pecans.
- Pour filling over baked crust; return to oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or a splash of bourbon. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
