Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars are made with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, dark corn syrup, and pecan halves. This delectable Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars recipe creates a dessert that takes about 60 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 24 people.
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups pecan halves
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter or spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang the edges for easy removal.
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 6 to 8 minutes. Immediately transfer the butter to a medium bowl to prevent burning.
- Make the crust mixture: Whisk the granulated sugar and salt into the browned butter. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough is evenly moistened and no dry spots remain.
- Form the crust: Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even and smooth layer that reaches into the corners.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is just set. Remove from the oven and gently press down any large bubbles if necessary.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add pecans to filling: Stir the pecan halves into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Pour filling over crust and bake: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading the pecans evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is puffed and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan, cut into squares, and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter and fresh pecan halves; this will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your bars.
- Even Baking: To ensure your crust cooks evenly, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This little adjustment can prevent overbrowned edges.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the crust dough too soft to work with, chill it for about 20 minutes before pressing into the pan for easier handling.
- Prep for Clean Cuts: For neat, clean cuts without crumbling, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut to keep those edges perfect.
What To Serve With Pecan Pie Bars?
Pecan Pie Bars pair well with salted caramel ice cream, espresso whipped cream, bourbon vanilla sauce, and chocolate ganache drizzle. They also can be served alongside spiced apple compote, maple cinnamon yogurt, hazelnut praline, and ginger-spiced cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
How To Store Leftovers Pecan Pie Bars?
Refrigerate: Start by cooling the Pecan Pie Bars completely. Then, either cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the Pecan Pie Bars. First, wrap them tightly with aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or use a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How To Reheat Leftovers Pecan Pie Bars?
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bars in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are hot throughout.
In The Microwave: Place a portion of the bars in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the bars to an air fryer-safe container. Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overheating or drying out.
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Nutrition Facts
- Calories 200
- Total Fat 11g
- Saturated Fat 4g
- Cholesterol 40mg
- Sodium 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate 23g
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugars 13g
- Protein 2g
- Vitamin A 7%
- Vitamin C 0%
- Calcium 2%
- Iron 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted; however, you should reduce the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. This adjustment ensures that the bars do not become overly salty, maintaining a sweet and rich taste profile.
How Do I Know When the Pecan Pie Bars Are Fully Baked?
The pecan pie bars are fully baked when the filling is puffed and set firmly. There should be no wobble in the center if you gently shake the pan. This ensures that the filling is cooked through and has a consistent texture.
Can I Make Pecan Pie Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make pecan pie bars up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container after they have completely cooled. This is useful for managing time during busy holiday seasons or when preparing for events.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman French Toast Bread Pudding
- Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
- Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars
Description
Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars are made with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, dark corn syrup, and pecan halves. This delectable Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars recipe creates a dessert that takes about 60 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 24 people.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For The Filling:
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter or spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang the edges for easy removal.
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 6 to 8 minutes. Immediately transfer the butter to a medium bowl to prevent burning.
- Make the crust mixture: Whisk the granulated sugar and salt into the browned butter. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough is evenly moistened and no dry spots remain.
- Form the crust: Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even and smooth layer that reaches into the corners.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is just set. Remove from the oven and gently press down any large bubbles if necessary.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add pecans to filling: Stir the pecan halves into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Pour filling over crust and bake: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading the pecans evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is puffed and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan, cut into squares, and serve.