Irresistible Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Pecan pie bars from the pioneer woman are a southern delicacy that dance with decadence on your taste buds.

Imagine a dessert so luscious it whispers tales of family traditions and sweet comfort.

Layers of golden pastry cradle a molten filling that shimmers with caramel-like richness.

Crunchy pecans pepper the surface, creating a symphony of textures that crackle and melt simultaneously.

Warm spices weave through each bite, conjuring memories of cozy kitchen gatherings.

The balance of sweetness and nutty depth makes these bars more than just a dessert, they’re an edible celebration.

Transform your baking game with this irresistible Southern classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 24

What’s in Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer texture and natural flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Select fine-grained sugar for smooth, even distribution.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for balanced, clean seasoning.

• Dark Corn Syrup: Opt for pure, high-quality syrup without artificial additives.
• Brown Sugar: Pick fresh, soft brown sugar for deep caramel undertones.
• Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for authentic, robust flavor.

• Pecans: Select fresh, plump pecan halves with smooth, unblemished surfaces and rich, buttery aroma.
• Butter: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for precise flavor control and golden browning.

Tools to Slice and Bake Pie Bars

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for browning butter evenly and controlling heat.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for combining filling ingredients smoothly.
• 13×9 Inch Baking Pan: Ideal rectangular size for creating uniform pecan bars.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy bar removal and prevents sticking.
• Wire Rack: Allows bars to cool completely without trapping moisture.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Sharp Knife: Helps create clean, precise cuts when serving bars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading dough and scraping mixing bowls cleanly.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking pan and removing from oven.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• Unleash the Butter Magic

Brown butter in a saucepan until it transforms into a golden, nutty elixir. Transfer quickly to a mixing bowl to halt the cooking process and capture its rich essence.

• Craft the Crust Foundation

Blend browned butter with sugar and salt, then gently fold in flour until the mixture becomes a cohesive, smooth dough. Press this heavenly base into your baking pan, creating a perfectly even layer that hugs every corner.

• Awaken the Oven

Heat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Prepare the pan with a light grease and parchment paper sling for easy bar removal later. Bake the crust until it’s just set and looking promising.

• Create the Decadent Filling

Whisk together a symphony of dark corn syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and a whisper of salt. Fold in pecan halves, ensuring each nut is lovingly coated in the silky mixture.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the pecan-studded filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it with care. Slide back into the oven and bake until the filling puffs up and sets into a gorgeous, tempting landscape.

• Serve with Celebration

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Lift out using the parchment paper handles, slice into squares, and prepare to be transported by the most irresistible pecan bars you’ve ever tasted.

Tips to Avoid Over-Baking

Experiment with different butter browning times to discover your preferred depth of nutty flavor. Some bakers love a darker, more intense brown butter, while others prefer a lighter, subtler taste.

Replace pecans with chopped walnuts, almonds, or a mixed nut blend for a unique twist. Each nut brings its own distinct texture and flavor profile to the classic dessert.

Adjust the sugar quantities to match your taste preferences. Reduce granulated or brown sugar for a less sweet treat, or add a touch more for an indulgent dessert that satisfies serious sweet cravings.

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer preservation, wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to one month, ensuring a delicious treat is always within reach.

Serving Pie Bars for Holidays

• Pair with Creamy Delight: Serve these rich pecan bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious contrast of warm, nutty flavors and cool, smooth creaminess.
• Create Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, making them a stunning addition to weekend brunch gatherings.
• Elevate Coffee Time: Plate these bars next to a steaming mug of dark roast coffee or caramel latte, letting the nutty, buttery notes complement each other perfectly.
• Package as Sweet Gifts: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with a ribbon, creating a homemade treat perfect for holiday sharing or unexpected guest surprises.

Keeping Them Fresh in Storage

• Store Fresh and Savor Later: Keep these pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: When sealed tightly, these bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Freeze for Future Treats: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars maintain quality for 2-3 months, offering a delightful dessert anytime.
• Thaw with Care: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, restoring their original delicious texture and taste.

Irresistible Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pecan pie bars offer a delightful Southern twist on classic pie flavors. Buttery graham cracker crust and rich caramel-like filling create sweet memories you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups pecan halves
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (340 g), (1 cup + ½ cup melted)
• 1 ½ tsp salt (½ tsp + 1 tsp)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking dish by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for easy removal.
2. Crust Creation: Brown butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until nutty, then transfer to a bowl. Mix browned butter with granulated sugar, salt, and flour until a uniform dough forms, pressing evenly into the prepared pan’s bottom.
3. Initial Baking: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until set, gently pressing down any large bubbles that emerge during baking.
4. Filling Fusion: Whisk together melted butter, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Pecan Integration: Fold pecan halves into the filling, ensuring complete coating, then carefully pour over the pre-baked crust, distributing pecans evenly across the surface.
6. Final Baking and Cooling: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling rises and sets completely. Cool entirely on a wire rack, then use parchment paper edges to lift and slice into individual serving squares.

Notes

• Brown Butter Technique: Carefully heat butter until it turns golden and develops a rich, nutty aroma to enhance the crust’s depth of flavor.
• Crust Compaction: Press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan’s corners to create a solid, uniform base that prevents crumbling.
• Filling Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth, silky mixture that ensures even distribution of flavors and prevents ingredient separation.
• Cooling Is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to set properly and make cutting clean, precise squares easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 196 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg