Bake Play Smile

MENUMENU
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix
  • Desserts
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix
  • Desserts
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Thermomix
    • Desserts
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Bars Brownies & Slices

    Pecan Pie Bars | Quick & Easy Recipe

    Published: Jan 27, 2021 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 53 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    A child's hand grabbing a piece of caramel and pecan slice.

    These Pecan Pie Bars are creamy, sweet, and loaded with pecan crunch. This slice is the perfect way to get your fill of the classic dessert, whether you're making it for a special occasion or just as a treat!

    A child's hand holding a piece of caramel pecan slice.

    I love an easy and delicious slice or bar, like my Creamy Lemon Crumble Bars, No-Bake Coconut Slice, or Vanilla Custard Slice.

    They're absolutely perfect when you're craving just a bite of one of your favourite desserts (or just don't feel like making an entire pie).

    An overhead shot of pecan pie bars with a crunchy layer of pecan halves on top

    These pecan pie bars are based on the classic dessert from the Southern United States. With a sweet, creamy filling topped with crunchy pecans, they still have all that amazing caramel nut flavour, but in an easy to make slice.

    Plus, this slice is perfect to eat at anytime of the day (not just dessert)... Why not sneak a piece at afternoon tea, or for a mid-morning pick me up... even breakfast if you're feeling a bit cheeky!

    Pecan pie bars on a white cake stand

    Serving Suggestions

    These pecan pie slices are delicious on their own or with a big scoop of ice cream or custard on top. You can serve the pieces chilled, at room temperature or warmed up.

    While Americans usually eat this pie in the fall (our Autumn), it's truly perfect any time of the year!

    In fact, my favourite time of the year to make Pecan Pie Slice is during winter when it's cold outside and I like to reheat a little piece in the microwave for a few seconds and then serve with ice-cream. PERFECT!

    A close up of two pecan pie bars stacked on top of one another

    Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

    1. So Easy – This entire recipe is really quite simple! Just make the base, pour in the filling, and bake. Let it cool, and you've got the perfect nutty dessert.
    2. Creamy & Crunchy – With a sugary base topped with a sweet, pecan-filled layer, this bar is absolutely decadent.
    3. Classic Flavours - this slice tastes just like my classic pecan pie recipe... but it's so simple and completely foolproof! Plus it can be cut into nice little pieces ready to eat.
    Overhead shot of pecan pie bars

    What You Need

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method!

    • plain flour – you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free pecan pie bar
    • brown sugar – lightly packed
    • butter – softened
    • egg
    • maple syrup – pecan pie is traditionally made with corn syrup but maple syrup is more readily available in Australia which is why I use it in this recipe. You can use either corn syrup or maple syrup depending on the availability in your country
    • vanilla extract – if you don't have vanilla essence, you can use vanilla essence
    • salt - this really brings out the most amazing flavour in the slice and perfectly balances the sweetness of the maple syrup
    • pecans – I prefer halved pecans, but you can also use chopped pecans
    Ingredients for pecan pie bars in bowls on a counter

    How To Make Pecan Pie Bars

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method!

    Step 1 – Make The Base

    Sift the flour into a large bowl, then add the brown sugar and butter. Mix everything well until a dough forms. Press firmly into a baking paper-lined slice tin and bake.

    Base mixture of pecan pie bars being mixed in a bowl
    Spreading base mixture into a tin lined with baking paper.
    Pecan pie bars base pressed into a parchment paper-lined tin

    Step 2 – Mix The Filling

    While the base is baking, whisk together the egg, the remaining brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and salt until the mixture is pale and frothy.

    Wet ingredients for pecan pie bars in a glass bowl
    Whisking together wet ingredients for pecan pie bars

    Add the pecans and mix. Pour the mixture over the baked base in the slice tin and bake again until set in the middle. Let it sit for 30 minutes until placing it on a wire rack to finish cooling.

    Adding pecans to pecan pie bar mixture

    Recipe Tips & FAQ

    How do I store my pecan pie bars?

    Place the bars in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze your bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

    What can I use other than maple syrup?

    You can also use honey or, for a more traditional American recipe, use corn syrup.

    Should I use full, sliced, or chopped pecans?

    I like to use pecan halves for these bars, but you can also use chopped pecans. Whole pecans may be a bit large, but you can try them, if you prefer a thicker top layer.

    Slices of pecan pie bars on a counter

    More Bar & Slice Recipes

    It's no secret that I LOVE to bake slices and bars. In fact, they're probably my favourite thing to make (along with cheesecake!!)

    Here's 5 of my most popular slices and bars (as voted by you guys!):

    • Creamy Lemon Slice - a super simple baked lemon slice that has a deliciously creamy filling. THE BEST. Oh and it's made from just 5 ingredients!
    • Passionfruit Slice - this is such an old fashioned slice. Once you have a bite, you'll know why it's just as popular as ever!
    • Apple Crumble Slice - another favourite dessert made into a sweet and easy slice. Serve it on it's own or warm and serve with a scoop of ice-cream.
    • Chocolate Coconut Slice - a budget friendly recipe that everyone loves. The melt-in-your-mouth icing is just amazing!

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    Pecan Pie Bars

    The yummiest, easiest Pecan Pie bars ever.. enjoy at anytime of the day! Perfect with an afternoon cup of tea... or as a cheeky late night treat!
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: bars and slices
    Cuisine: western
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 serves
    Calories: 196kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 160 g (1 cup) plain flour
    • 65 g (⅓ cup) brown sugar lightly packed
    • 115 g butter softened
    • 1 egg
    • 65 g (⅓ cup) brown sugar lightly packed
    • 110 g (⅓ cup) maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract , or vanilla essence
    • pinch of salt
    • 1 & ¼ cups pecans halved or chopped
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Preheat oven to 175 degrees celsius (fan forced).
    • Grease and line a 20cm square slice tin with baking paper, allowing the edges to overhang.
    • To make the base sift the plain flour into a large bowl.
    • Add the brown sugar and butter.
    • Mix well until the mixture forms a dough.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the base of the slice tin.
    • Bake for 15-16 minutes.
    • In a large bowl whisk together the egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt until pale and frothy.
    • Add the pecans and mix to combine.
    • Pour the pecan mixture over the top of the warm slice base and spread the nuts out evenly.
    • Bake in the oven for a further 15 minutes or until set in the middle.
    • Leave in the tin for 30 minutes to cool before placing onto a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    Thermomix Method

    • Preheat oven to 175 degrees celsius (fan forced). Grease and line a 20cm square slice tin with baking paper, allowing the edges to overhang.
    • Place the butter, plain flour and brown sugar into the TM bowl and mix for 15 seconds, Speed 5 or until a dough as formed.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the base of the slice tin. Bake for 15-16 minutes.
    • Place the egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla essence and salt into the TM bowl. Mix for 30 seconds, Speed 5.
    • Add the pecans and mix for 10 seconds, Reverse, Speed 2.
    • Pour the pecan mixture over the top of the warm slice base and spread the nuts out evenly. Bake in the oven for a further 15 minutes or until set in the middle.
    • Leave in the tin for 30 minutes to cool before placing onto a wire rack to cool completely.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    Baking - Be careful not to overcook the slice – it will continue to firm as it cools.
    Storage - Place the bars in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze your bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
    Maple syrup notes - You can also use honey or, for a more traditional American recipe, use corn syrup.
    Size of pecans - I like to use pecan halves for these bars, but you can also use chopped pecans. Whole pecans may be a bit large, but you can try them, if you prefer a thicker top layer!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

    More Quick & Easy Bars, Slices and Brownies

    • A Freckle on top of a piece of chocolate slice.
      Weet-Bix Slice
    • A piece of peanut butter and oat slice in front of a jar of peanut butter.
      Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
    • A cake stand with an oatmeal bar filled with Nutella.
      Nutella Crumble Bars
    • Pieces of caramel slice with nuts and chocolate chips.
      Caramel Nut Slice

    Comments

    1. Claudia says

      December 03, 2023 at 10:49 am

      Hi, would it be possible to sub brown sugar for coconut sugar? Thank you

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        December 04, 2023 at 7:20 am

        I haven't tried that sorry!

        Reply
    2. Trace says

      May 23, 2022 at 11:55 pm

      5 stars
      Tasty treat thankyou. As we found it a tad too sweet, would it be possible to decrease the sugar a bit - maybe 5 or 10g in both the topping & the base?

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        May 24, 2022 at 7:23 am

        Absolutely!

        Reply
    3. Rhonda Davis says

      November 11, 2021 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      Hi
      The bars are fantastic but why is the base not set properly in the middle . It seemed fine before the filling was added.
      Thanks Rhonda

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        November 12, 2021 at 9:23 am

        Hi Rhonda, it sounds like it needs to be cooked a little longer. xx

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 18 votes (14 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes You’ll Love

    • No-Bake Rum Balls made with coconut, biscuits, condensed milk and cocoa powder.
      Kid-Friendly Rum Balls
    • A quick and easy classic dark chocolate hedgehog slice made with crushed biscuits, walnuts, coconut and condensed milk... the perfect melt and mix slice!
      Chocolate Hedgehog Slice
    • Introducing the famous 100 Cookie Recipe made with just 4 ingredients... butter, caster sugar, condensed milk and self-raising flour. This freezer-friendly cookie dough can be flavoured with any add-ins you like!
      The Famous 100 Cookie Recipe | Easy Condensed Milk Cookies
    • This new and improved Lemon & Coconut Slice recipe is absolutely perfect! A beautiful tangy base topped with a creamy lemon frosting... it seriously doesn't get any better than this!
      Lemon Coconut Slice - New & Improved

    Cosy Winter Desserts

    • A forkful of moist sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
      Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
    • These super easy golden syrup dumplings are sure to become a family favourite! Serve hot with a big scoop of ice-cream for the perfect dessert.
      Easy Golden Syrup Dumplings | Winter Dessert Recipe
    • Chocolate self saucing pudding with ice cream on a plate.
      Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
    • A slice of apricot pie with a scoop of ice-cream on top.
      Apricot Pie
    Names of brands that Bake Play Smile has had recipes featured in.

    Lunch Box Snacks

    • A white cake stand with yo yo biscuits that have pink and blue filling.
      Yo Yo Biscuits | Classic Recipe
    • A bowl filled with malted milk and coconut balls.
      Milo Balls | 4 Ingredient Recipe
    • Pieces of chocolate coconut slice on a white plate.
      Easy Chocolate Coconut Slice | Most Popular
    • ANZAC oat biscuits cooling on a wire rack.
      ANZAC Biscuits

    Footer

    Subscribe for weekly updates!

    Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 Bake Play Smile

    ↑ back to top

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.