Irresistible Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Thanksgiving desserts are all about warmth, sweetness, and a little bit of indulgence. These Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the classic flavors of a pecan pie in a convenient, hand-held treat. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey, nutty topping, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee after dinner. Easier to make than a full pie and just as delicious, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Preparation Tips

• Line your pan: Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and clean slicing.

• Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.

• Cool completely: Let the bars cool fully before slicing to ensure clean edges and a set filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These bars can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars as part of your Thanksgiving dessert spread or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced cider for the perfect holiday treat.

Conclusion

These Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie in a convenient and crowd-friendly format. Rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet, they’re a wonderful addition to your holiday table. Give them a try and enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in every bite. Explore more seasonal recipes on Cozy Cadence for your next culinary inspiration.