The aroma of freshly baked Simple Pecan Pie Bars wafts through the air, enticing you with its sweet, nutty scent and irresistible buttery crust. As those golden bars cool on the counter, you can almost hear them whispering, “Eat me!” The perfect blend of crunchy pecans and gooey filling creates a delightful texture that’s simply hard to resist.

These bars remind me of family gatherings where everyone fights for the last piece, creating a deliciously competitive atmosphere. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy weekend with friends, these Simple Pecan Pie Bars are always a hit, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Simple Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweetness with nuttiness, appealing to all taste buds
- The visual appeal of golden bars topped with shiny pecans makes them an impressive dessert
- They’re versatile enough for any occasion; serve them warm or cold!
I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when I brought these bars to our family reunion—everyone clamored for the recipe as if it were a state secret.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture and flavor in your crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Always choose high-quality butter; it makes all the difference in taste.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds depth and richness to your filling.
- Pecans: Opt for fresh pecans; toast them lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best, providing structure and binding for the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Simple Pecan Pie Bars
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour and melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture into a greased baking dish evenly.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t over-bake!
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. This mixture should be glossy and creamy.
Add Pecans: Fold in toasted pecans gently with a spatula. The filling should be thick but pourable; you want those nuts distributed evenly throughout.
Bake Again: Pour your pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set and slightly puffed.
Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and let it cool completely before slicing into bars. This allows the filling to firm up nicely for serving.
Now you’re ready to indulge in these delightful Simple Pecan Pie Bars! Enjoy with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat!
You Must Know
- Simple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat; they combine the classic pecan pie flavor with easy-to-make bars
- These dessert gems are perfect for gatherings, and their buttery crust paired with sweet pecans will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the crust first; mix together butter, flour, and sugar until crumbly. Press this mixture into a baking dish. While it bakes, whip up your filling with eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and pecans. Pour over the warm crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out half of the pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips to the filling. A dash of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor profile. Customize these bars according to your taste preferences for a unique dessert experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Simple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Simple Pecan Pie Bars, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing
- Avoid overbaking; check for doneness around 25 minutes to keep the bars chewy and delicious
- For added flair, try drizzling melted chocolate on top!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a family gathering where my cousin couldn’t stop raving about how much he loved these bars. His enthusiasm made me realize just how much joy simple desserts can bring!
FAQ
Can I use different nuts in Simple Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes, walnuts or even almonds can be excellent substitutes for pecans.
How long do these bars last?
Simple Pecan Pie Bars stay fresh for up to four days at room temperature.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! They are perfect for making ahead and storing until needed.
Simple Pecan Pie Bars
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Simple Pecan Pie Bars, where a buttery crust meets a rich, gooey filling studded with crunchy pecans. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they promise a burst of flavor in every 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 all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the flour and melted butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the toasted pecans and pour the mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake again for 25-30 minutes until set. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute half of the pecans with walnuts or incorporate chocolate chips into the filling. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.







