- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the baking dish.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing (this helps them firm up).
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.
Storage & Freezing:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Variants & Customization
- Chocolate Pecan Bars: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips into the filling.
- Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add 1 tbsp bourbon for a Southern twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or coconut flakes.
- Maple Pecan Bars: Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a richer flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes! You can use crescent roll dough or pre-made pie crust instead of shortbread.
2. How do I know when they’re done baking?
The center should be slightly firm and not jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.
4. Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Yes! Whole pecans create a more traditional pecan pie look.
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