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Ultra Easy, Gooey Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

Close-up of a gooey pecan pie bars slice showing a thick, buttery shortbread crust and a rich pecan topping.
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Make these simple pecan pie bars featuring a rich, gooey filling over a melt-in-your-mouth buttery shortbread crust. This handheld treat delivers classic Southern flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Mix in the flour and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Stir in the pecans until they are evenly coated in the filling mixture.
  6. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot, pre-baked shortbread crust.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are bubbly.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 to 2 hours. Cooling is important for clean cutting.
  9. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
  • If you prefer a caramel pecan bars flavor, use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup.
  • You can make these ahead of time; store cooled, cut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/easy-gooey-pecan-pie-bars-recipe/