My easy pecan pie bars taste just like the beloved pie but in an easier-to-eat form. I’ll take pecan pie any way I can get it, but these are a particular favorite of mine. You still get the crust and the filling, but now you get to cut it into squares and eat it with your hands– so fun!
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Classic pecan pie is one of my family’s favorite recipes. It’s hard for me to imagine the holiday season without it, but it’s kind of a hassle to make. I developed these easy pecan pie bars to take the hassle out of making this delicious pie. They taste just as good, and everyone can decide how big of a piece they want– no judgment here!
What’s in This Easy Pecan Pie Bar Recipe?
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the crust structure.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust.
- Salt: A touch of kosher salt enhances the buttery flavor of the crust.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps bind the crust and makes it rich and flaky.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Makes the filling sweet and sticky!
- Egg: Helps bind the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm, nutty flavor of the pecans.
- Toffee Bits: Add a wonderful caramelly flavor and crunch. I like Health Bits O’Brickle, but any brand will work.
- Pecans: Add that classic nutty flavor and crunch to the bars.
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Tips for Success
- Make sure the butter is super cold straight from the fridge. You can even chill it for 10-15 minutes in the freezer to ensure it’s super cold.
- Don’t overmix the pie dough; otherwise, the crust will turn out tough.
- I whipped the condensed milk/egg/vanilla mixture with a hand mixer to get it super light, but this is optional.
- For a bit of extra flavor, feel free to fold some chocolate chips into the filling.
How to Store
Store leftover easy pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed.
5-Star Review
“Made these for my coworkers at the hospital since we have to work Christmas. My girls who don’t really like pecan pie wouldn’t leave them alone. Awesome and sooo yummy. Thank you so much for your site. You save me at dinner more than I can say😊” -Lovey
Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 240 grams
- ½ cup powdered sugar 57 grams
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter 227 grams, cold (2 sticks)
For the Pecan Pie Topping
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 397 grams (1 can)
- 1 large egg 50 grams, slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
- 8 ounces Heath Bits O’Brickle Toffee Bits (English Toffee Bits) (1 package)
- 1 cup chopped pecans 114 grams
Recommended Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F if using a glass dish) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse 3 times to combine the ingredients.2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is just smaller than pea size.1 cup unsalted butter
- Pour the flour/butter mixture into the prepared dish and press firmly down, being sure to get corners and edges.
- Bake the crust 15 minutes and transfer from the oven.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan pie topping.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla together.14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Stir in the toffee bits and pecans; set aside until crust is ready.8 ounces Heath Bits O’Brickle Toffee Bits (English Toffee Bits), 1 cup chopped pecans
- When the crust is ready, give the pecan mixture a couple of stirs and slowly spread it evenly over the crust.
- Bake the bars at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle.
- Set the bars on a cooling rack to cool, and after 10 minutes, slide a sharp, thin knife between the pan and the bars to loosen the sides. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
Nutrition Information
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Step by Step
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F if using a glass dish), spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, and set aside. In the bowl of a food processor, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Pulse 3 times to combine the ingredients.
Cut in the Butter: Add 1 cup of cold unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is just smaller than pea size.
Bake the Crust: Pour the flour/butter mixture into the prepared dish and press firmly down, being sure to get corners and edges. Bake the crust for 15 minutes and transfer from the oven.
Mix the Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk 14 ounces (1 can) of sweetened condensed milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract together.
Fold in the Toffee and Pecans: Stir in 8 ounces (1 package) of toffee bits and 1 cup of chopped pecans; set aside until the crust is ready.
Spread the Topping: When the crust is ready, give the pecan mixture a couple of stirs and slowly spread it evenly over the crust.
Bake the Bars: Bake the bars at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle. Set the bars on a cooling rack to cool, and after 10 minutes, slide a sharp, thin knife between the pan and the bars to loosen the sides. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Perfect! These were a hit with the family. Will make them again for sure!
So glad you enjoyed them!
Made these for my coworkers at the hospital since we have to work Christmas. My girls who don’t really like pecan pie wouldn’t leave them alone. Awesome and sooo yummy. Thank you so much for your site. You save me at dinner more than I can say😊
Sounds amazing!
SO so delicious! Wonderful recipe.
Thank you Suzy!
Pecan Pie Bars are my FAVORITE!! I make these every year!!
Mine too!
These pie bars are fantastic! So much easier than making a pie yet still absolutely delicious!
Thanks so much Anna!
The best way to serve pecan pie- so good!
AGREE!
I’m obsessed with these! So stinking good
Thanks girl!!
My kids really enjoyed these! They were really amazing!
Oh good! So happy to hear that.
My kids loved these! They were really amazing!
These are a perfect holiday treat! And SO much easier than Pecan Pie!
SO much easier!!!