Pecan Pie Bars

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By: Ashley Wilson | Published: November 5, 2025

Pecan pie bar with golden crust and gooey pecan topping

🍂 Everything You Love About Pecan Pie — In Bar Form

Looking for a dessert that brings the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie — but without the hassle of making a full pie?

These Pecan Pie Bars are the answer.

They’re easy to make, easy to slice, and even easier to share. With a soft shortbread crust and gooey pecan filling, they’re the ultimate Thanksgiving pecan pie bars, ideal for potlucks, dessert trays, or just keeping in the fridge for when that sweet craving hits.

And yes — they taste just as indulgent as the full pie (maybe even better 👀).


🧂 Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

Flat lay of ingredients for pecan pie bars on white background
Pecan Pie Bars 9

You only need basic ingredients to make these pecan dessert bars — and most are probably already in your kitchen.

Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of salt

Pecan Filling:

  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup light corn syrup or pure maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

👩‍🍳 How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

No rolling, no pie dish, no fancy tools. Just layer, bake, chill, and slice.

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease.
  2. Make the Crust
    Mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, and softened butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Prep the Filling
    In a bowl, whisk brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple), eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  4. Assemble
    Pour the filling over the warm crust and gently spread evenly.
  5. Bake Again
    Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set and the edges are golden.
  6. Cool & Chill
    Let the bars cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before slicing.
  7. Slice & Serve
    Lift the bars out using the parchment, cut into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

Pro tip: Use a serrated knife or hot knife for super clean cuts.


✨ Benefits of Pecan Pie Bars

Benefit Why It Matters
Handheld & Shareable Easy to pack, slice, and serve for holiday crowds
Easier Than Pie No crust rolling or water bath needed
Make-Ahead Friendly Chill and store up to 4 days for holiday prep
Customizable Texture Make them gooier or firmer based on bake time
Sheet Pan Ready Scale up for a full **pecan sheet pan pie** style batch

🍽️ Serving Ideas for Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables and fall potlucks, but you can also:

  • Cut into mini bites for party trays
  • Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence
  • Top with pecan halves or streusel for added crunch (hello, pecan streusel upgrade)
  • Serve chilled or room temp depending on your preference
  • Wrap in parchment and twine for cute, edible gifts

They’re also great when mixed into a holiday cookie box with brownies or pumpkin cheesecake bites.


👩‍🍳 Why You Can Trust This Recipe

Pecan pie bar being lifted from pan with visible gooey layers
Pecan Pie Bars 10

I’ve tested this pecan pie crumble bar recipe several ways — different crust ratios, baking times, and sweeteners. Here’s what I know:

✔️ Shortbread crust bakes clean and holds firm — no soggy base.
✔️ Brown sugar + syrup combo keeps it sweet without being overpowering.
✔️ The texture firms up as it cools, so chilling is key for clean slices.
✔️ Easily converted into a pecan snack bite by cutting small and dusting with cinnamon sugar.

It’s also been made for multiple Thanksgivings, served to all ages, and passed the picky guest test with flying colors.


🙋‍♀️ FAQs About Pecan Pie Bars

Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
Yes! It gives a deeper fall flavor and works 1:1 in this recipe.

How do I store them?
Keep in the fridge, covered, for up to 4–5 days. Best served slightly chilled or at room temp.

Can I freeze these?
Absolutely — freeze in layers between parchment paper and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Do I have to use chopped pecans?
Chopped pecans create an even layer, but you can top with halves for a fancier look.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a rimmed sheet pan to create pecan sheet pan pie bars and adjust baking time.


🍽️ Related Recipes You’ll Love

1. No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls

Bite-sized pumpkin treats rolled in sweet coatings — perfect for dessert trays and gifting.

2. Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Sweet, salty, and made for slicing — these maple pecan bars are Thanksgiving ready.

3. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Fall flavors meet creamy cheesecake in this easy, sliceable holiday dessert.


📌 “The Pie Bar Everyone Will Ask You For”

“Pecan pie, made easier. Slice, stack, and serve these gooey bars at every fall gathering.”
👉 Follow our Best Pecan Bars and Holiday Desserts boards on Pinterest

Print
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Pecan pie bar with golden crust and gooey pecan topping

Pecan Pie Bars


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  • Author: Ashley Wilson
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about classic pecan pie — gooey, nutty filling over a buttery shortbread crust — but easier to make, slice, and share. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert trays, potlucks, or cozy fall cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

**Shortbread Crust:**

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup powdered sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Pinch of salt

**Pecan Filling:**

¾ cup light brown sugar

⅔ cup light corn syrup or pure maple syrup

2 large eggs

2 tbsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ cups chopped pecans


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

2. Mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Press into the pan and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.

3. In a bowl, whisk brown sugar, syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans.

4. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.

5. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the filling is just set and golden.

6. Cool completely at room temp, then chill for 1–2 hours in the fridge.

7. Use parchment to lift, slice into bars, and serve.

8. Optional: drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

You can substitute maple syrup for corn syrup to add deeper fall flavor.

Chill before slicing for clean bars that hold together.

Freeze well — just layer with parchment and store airtight.

These are great for dessert trays, gifting, or holiday cookie boxes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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