Pecan Pie Bars: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these irresistible pecan pie bars! This recipe delivers all the rich, nutty goodness of classic pecan pie in a convenient, bar-form package, perfect for sharing (or not!). Let's dive into this amazing recipe that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick bake. Let's gather what we need for the crust, the filling, and the optional topping:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for novice bakers. Let's get started!
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press into pan: Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Pre-bake (optional): For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding the filling.
Making the Pecan Filling:
- Combine sugars and corn syrup: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves.
- Pour over crust: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked (or unbaked) crust.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The center might still be slightly jiggly, which is okay.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious pecan pie bars! They are wonderful served on their own, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
- Use different nuts: Substitute other nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some or all of the pecans.
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to create your own signature pecan pie bar masterpiece! Enjoy baking, and happy eating!
