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Squares of pecan pie bars with a golden shortbread crust and glossy caramel pecan topping on a parchment-lined board

Pecan Pie Bars

Buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey brown sugar and toasted pecan filling, cut into 24 easy holiday bars.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling and chilling 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread crust
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled (250 g)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed, 2 sticks (226 g)
Pecan filling
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed (150 g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (57 g)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups pecans coarsely chopped and toasted (250 g)

Method
 

Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 by 13-inch metal pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. Whisk the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs that hold together when pinched.
  3. Press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are light golden.
Filling
  1. Whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla and salt until smooth. Stir in the toasted pecans.
  2. Pour the filling over the hot crust and spread the pecans evenly.
  3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and bubbling and the center jiggles only slightly.
  4. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Lift out with the parchment and cut into 24 bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.

Notes

Make ahead: Bake up to 2 days before serving and keep chilled, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
Nutrition is an estimate per bar.