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To make delicious pecan pie bars, you need: - 1 cup unsalted butter - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup packed brown sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 3 large eggs - 1 cup light corn syrup - 2 cups pecans - Ground spices: cinnamon and nutmeg - Salt and vanilla extract These ingredients create a rich and sweet treat. The butter gives the bars a flaky crust. The sugars add sweetness and depth. Eggs and corn syrup create a gooey filling that holds everything together. For extra flavor, consider adding: - Chocolate chips - Sea salt for garnishing - Additional flavors like bourbon or maple syrup These options can elevate your bars. Chocolate adds richness, while sea salt balances sweetness. Bourbon or maple syrup gives a cozy twist. If you need alternatives, try these: - Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. - Gluten-free flour, like almond or oat flour, can replace all-purpose flour. - For a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs instead of real eggs. These swaps can help you enjoy pecan pie bars while meeting dietary needs. They still taste great and look beautiful. If you're looking for the full recipe, be sure to check out the details. 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure even baking. 2. Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup packed brown sugar. Use a mixer to beat this until it becomes fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. 3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until you form a soft dough. 4. Form the Crust: Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread it evenly. Prick the dough with a fork to avoid bubbling. 5. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is slightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding the filling. 1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and spices: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Make sure the mixture is smooth. 2. Incorporate Pecans: Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped pecans. Mix well to coat the nuts evenly with the filling. 1. Pour the Filling: Once the crust has cooled, pour the pecan filling over it. Spread the filling evenly for even baking. 2. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set, and the pecans should look golden brown. 3. Cool and Slice: After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares for serving. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. How long to cool before cutting Let your pecan pie bars cool completely before cutting. This can take about two hours. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. Allowing them to set helps the filling firm up nicely. Preventing soggy bottoms To avoid a soggy crust, bake the crust until it's lightly golden. Pricking the crust with a fork also helps. This lets steam escape, keeping the bottom crisp. Using fresh vs. stale nuts Always use fresh pecans for the best flavor. Stale nuts can taste bland and lose their crunch. Toasting your pecans in a pan can also enhance their flavor. Just watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. Incorporating spices for depth of flavor Add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. A touch of vanilla in the filling brings all the flavors together. You can also try adding a bit of bourbon for a unique twist. Checking for doneness with toothpick test Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes. Adjusting baking times for different ovens Ovens can vary in temperature. If your bars seem to bake too fast or too slow, adjust the time. Keep an eye on the color of the top; a golden brown means they are likely ready. {{image_4}} You can easily add new flavors to your pecan pie bars. One simple way is to add chocolate. Just sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the pecan filling before the final bake. The chocolate melts and mixes with the sweet filling, making it rich and creamy. Another tasty option is to add caramel. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the pecan filling before baking. This adds a sweet layer that complements the nuts well. You can also mix in fruits like cranberries or apples. They add a tart bite that balances the sweetness. If you need gluten-free options, you can swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. This keeps the bars soft and tasty, without the gluten. For those looking to cut sugar, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. These options can give you a sweet flavor without the calories. If you follow a keto diet, use a low-carb sweetener and almond flour. This way, you can enjoy these bars without worry. Seasonal spices can bring a fresh twist to your pecan pie bars. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the filling. This gives a warm, cozy flavor that is perfect for cooler weather. You can also use seasonal fruits. In summer, try adding fresh berries for a burst of flavor. They can make the bars fruity and fun. Each season offers new ideas to keep your pecan pie bars exciting and delicious. First, let your pecan pie bars cool completely. This step is key. If you store them warm, they may turn soggy. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can refrigerate the bars for up to one week. Just make sure to seal them well. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take them out. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. You can also heat them in the oven for a few minutes for a warm treat. Pair these sweet bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess balances the sweet filling. You can also serve them with whipped cream for a fluffy touch. For a fun twist, drizzle some caramel sauce on top. When plating, dust the bars with powdered sugar for a nice finish. Arrange them on a colorful plate for a beautiful presentation. These simple ideas will impress your guests and make the bars even more delightful. For the full recipe, check back to the beginning! You can store pecan pie bars in the fridge for up to one week. They stay fresh and tasty when kept in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This way, they won’t get freezer burn. Yes, you can make pecan pie bars ahead of time. I suggest baking them one or two days before you plan to serve them. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, store them in your fridge. This helps the flavors meld together nicely. Just remember to slice them after they cool. Slicing too soon can make them fall apart. The main difference lies in the shape and texture. Pecan pie is baked in a pie crust and served in slices. It is often gooey and rich, with a smooth filling. Pecan pie bars have a shortbread crust and are cut into squares. They are easier to serve and eat. The bars have a firmer texture, making them great for parties or gatherings. Yes, you can replace eggs in the recipe. Common substitutes include applesauce, flaxseed meal, or silken tofu. Each option changes the texture a bit. Applesauce gives moisture but may make the filling softer. Flaxseed meal adds a nutty taste and helps bind ingredients. Silken tofu makes the filling creamier and thick. Experiment to find what you like best. We've covered the key ingredients for making pecan pie bars, from the base to the filling. I shared tips on enhancing flavors and offered ideas for fun twists. Plus, I discussed how to ensure the right texture and storage conditions. With all this information, you can create delicious pecan pie bars that please everyone. Don't shy away from trying new flavors or ingredients. Enjoy the baking journey and the tasty results!

Pecan Pie Bars

Indulge in these decadent pecan pie bars with a twist that are sure to impress! With a buttery crust and a rich filling loaded with crunchy pecans, this recipe makes a perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these bars will become a family favorite. Discover the step-by-step guide and tips to elevate your treat. Click through now to explore the recipe and bring this delightful dessert to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for crust)

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups pecans, roughly chopped

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup light corn syrup

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal of the bars once baked.

    Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

      Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

        Form the Crust: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using your fingers or a spatula. To prevent the crust from bubbling during baking, prick it lightly with a fork.

          Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is a slightly golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

            Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

              Add Pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the egg and syrup mixture, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the filling. Pour this pecan filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.

                Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set, and the pecans on top should turn a lovely golden brown.

                  Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, slice into squares or bars for serving.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (including baking) | Servings: 16 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Elevate the visual appeal by dusting the bars lightly with powdered sugar. For a delightful treat, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your dessert.