This easy pecan pie bars recipe is perfect for holidays

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If you’re craving a classic Southern dessert with rich caramelized flavor, buttery crust, and crunchy pecans in every bite, these easy pecan pie bars are the perfect treat. They take all the indulgent goodness of traditional pecan pie and transform it into simple, handheld dessert squares that are ideal for holidays, parties, potlucks, or cozy weekend baking.

This easy pecan pie bars recipe makes the perfect dessert for parties and holidays.

Unlike a full pecan pie, pecan pie bars require minimal effort, no rolling dough, and bake beautifully in a standard rectangular pan. The crust is soft yet sturdy, and the topping is sweet, rich, and irresistibly gooey. This recipe guarantees flawless results with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

If you want a buttery and crunchy dessert, this easy pecan pie bars recipe never disappoints.

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore why these dessert bars have become a beloved staple in many homes.

If you enjoy comforting desserts like these bars, you’ll also love this reader-favorite recipe:
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe With Premade Crust
It’s another simple, crowd-pleasing dish from MagmaKitchen!

This easy pecan pie bars recipe is incredibly simple and always turns out perfect, even for beginners.

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Why These Easy Pecan Pie Bars Are So Popular

These pecan bars have been a classic dessert for generations, but what exactly makes them so irresistible?

1. They’re Easier Than Classic Pecan Pie

Traditional pie requires dough rolling, blind baking, and careful filling.
These bars?
Just press the crust, bake it once, pour the filling, and bake again. Anyone can make them, even beginners.

2. Perfect for a Crowd

The 9×13 dish creates around 20–24 bars, ideal for holidays, bake sales, gatherings, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dessert tables.

3. The Texture Is Out of This World

You get it all in every bite:

• Buttery soft crust
• Sweet caramel-like filling
• Crunchy toasted pecans

It’s the ultimate dessert combo.

4. Highly Customizable

You can add:

• Chocolate chips
• Bourbon
• Coconut
• Maple syrup
• Almonds or walnuts

Make it your own—this recipe adapts beautifully.

5. Stores & Travels Perfectly

Pecan pie bars remain fresh for days, transport easily, and freeze well. They’re ideal for make-ahead baking.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crust Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Simple pantry staples come together to create a dessert that tastes bakery-level.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Mix until the texture resembles crumbly, sandy dough.

Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your baking pan.

Tip:

Press the crust with the bottom of a measuring cup for a smooth, even surface.

3. Bake the Crust

Bake for 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.

This step ensures your crust stays firm under the gooey filling.

4. Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Light corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and uniform.
Then fold in the chopped pecans.

5. Pour & Bake

Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust.
Bake again for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.

6. Cool Completely

Let the pecan bars cool in the pan.
Once cooled, lift them out with parchment paper and cut into squares.

Pro Tip:

For super clean edges, refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

These easy pecan pie bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with:

• A dusting of powdered sugar
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Warm caramel drizzle
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty finish

They’re gorgeous on festive dessert platters and look amazing wrapped individually for gifting.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Refrigerator

Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these fun versions:

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

Add 1 cup chocolate chips to the filling mixture.

Maple Pecan Bars

Replace part of the corn syrup with maple syrup.

Bourbon Pecan Bars

Add 1–2 tablespoons bourbon to the filling for richer flavor.

Walnut Pie Bars

Swap pecans for chopped walnuts.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe (Printable Version)

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment.
2. Mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into pan.
3. Bake crust 20 minutes.
4. Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
5. Pour filling over crust. Bake 30 minutes or until set.
6. Cool completely, slice, and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

These easy pecan pie bars deliver everything you love about pecan pie—rich flavor, delightful texture, and a buttery crust—but in a simpler, more portable format. Whether for holiday gatherings, potlucks, dessert trays, or everyday treats, this recipe never fails to impress.

Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a requested family favorite!