With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share one of my all-time favorite Southern recipes – Pecan Pie Bars! These scrumptious treats are the ideal bring-along for your Derby party or any other gathering, and they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Not only are these Pecan Pie Bars a cinch to make, but they’re also a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, nutty goodness in a portable and easy-to-eat form. Trust me, once you try these delectable bars, you’ll never want to make a traditional pecan pie again!
Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out once they’re baked. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over the warm crust. Spread the pecans evenly throughout the filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center is no longer jiggly.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, and cut them into squares.
Best Dessert Bars
These Pecan Pie Bars are not only perfect for parties but also make a wonderful addition to any Southern gathering, potluck, or picnic. They’re sure to impress your friends and family, and I guarantee they’ll be asking you for the recipe.
So go ahead, give these irresistible bars a try!
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Race Day Details, Derby Traditions and Party Ideas
