Irresistible Southern Pecan Pie Bars: A Deliciously Sweet Treat

Southern Pecan Pie Bars: A Sweet, Nutty Delight

Southern Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their sweet and nutty flavor, these bars capture the essence of a classic Southern pecan pie in a convenient, shareable form. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Southern baking or just love pecans, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars offer the rich and buttery taste of a traditional pecan pie with the added convenience of a bar format. They’re perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, making them an excellent dessert choice for any occasion.

The combination of a flaky crust and a gooey pecan filling provides a delightful texture that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of homemade pie without the hassle.

Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the bars with added ingredients or adjust the level of sweetness to suit your taste.

Context/Background

Pecan pie is a staple in Southern cooking, with a rich history that reflects the region’s culinary traditions. Originating in the Southern United States, this beloved dessert is traditionally made with pecans, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla, all baked in a flaky pie crust.

These English-born nuts gained popularity in America in the 18th century and have since become an iconic ingredient in Southern baking. The pecan pie itself became popular in the early 20th century, with recipes appearing in cookbooks and magazines nationwide. These bars are a modern take on this classic dish, offering the same beloved flavors in a more convenient form.

Recipe Details

Serves: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
3/4 cup corn syrup

1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.5 cups pecan halves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to form a crust.

Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, 1 cup sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Stir in the pecan halves and pour the mixture over the baked crust.

Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips for Perfect Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Use fresh pecans for the best flavor. You can toast them lightly for added depth.

Ensure the crust is evenly pressed into the pan to prevent uneven cooking.
For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours after they have cooled to room temperature.
Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Pairing them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk makes for a delightful treat.

Storage and Leftovers

Store Southern Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. When freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich, nutty flavor of a pecan pie, these Southern Pecan Pie Bars will quickly become a favorite. Simple to make and even easier to enjoy, they offer all the taste of the traditional pie in a convenient format. Try this recipe and discover why it’s a cherished Southern staple.