Easy Pecan Pie Bars

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars

📝 Ingredients List

• For the Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• For the Filling:
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup honey (or corn syrup)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 cups chopped pecans

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or sturdy whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Sharp knife for clean edges

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Base: Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. While it bakes, prepare your filling.
4. Simmer the Topping: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. The sauce should look glossy and slightly thick.
5. Combine and Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the mixture over the warm crust.
6. Final Bake: Return to the oven for 18–20 minutes. The top should be bubbly and deep golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing into squares! 😋

💡 Pro Tips

• Clean Slicing: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting to ensure crisp, clean edges.
• Storage: Keep these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven to balance the sweetness of the honey.

FAQ

Can I make these nut-free? While pecans are the star, you could theoretically use sunflower seeds, though the texture and flavor profile will change significantly.

Do I need to grease the pan? Using parchment paper is highly recommended as the honey-based filling can get quite sticky!