Pecan Pie Bars | Quick & Easy Recipe

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!

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 pecan pie).

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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