Pecan Pie Bars
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Pecan Pie is one of my favorites around the holidays! These Slab Pecan Pie Bars are made right in the sheet pan and easily cut up for a hand held dessert bite. Slab pies come with all the goodness of a slice of pie, but in bar form. This pecan pie bar recipe is a little holiday treat to keep in mind! 🙂
Slab Pecan Pie Bars
Imagine all the richness of a slice of pecan pie, but this one has a layer of melted chocolate in between that luscious pecan pie filling and buttery dough crust in bar form. The chocolate addition is completely optional, but I highly recommend it. These Slab Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for large crowds, holiday and family get togethers and just think, no dishes to clean up after either.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this is a favorite on the dessert table here in the States and I bet elsewhere. Rich, smokey pecans mixed in with a sweet, thick filling of eggs and sugar make for a memorable treat. Not that these bad boys need only be made at holiday time! 🙂
I made these Slab Pecan Pie Bars 3 times to get it just right and am blown away by not only how easy these are to make, but I will guarantee they will be gone in no time. These went over BIG the other evening when we had a housewarming party here at the new house. Happy, smiling, finger-licking people were asking for the recipe so here it is folks. I also made an “extra” batch in the freezer wrapped tight for later. 🙂
What I really like about this one is the crumbled crust dough gets sprinkled in the bottom of a lined sheet pan and then pressed into place. EASY. I actually laid out a sheet of plastic wrap, laid another sheet pan on top and pressed. BAM, done. Save the plastic wrap for another use and you’re good to go. No rolling pin required.
After a pre-bake it comes out of the oven, gets a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips (optional of course, but hey!) and then the pecan filling is poured over the top. Back in the oven to finish off and you have a masterpiece. Allow the Slab Pecan Pie Bars to cool and slice into bars.
If you like the Slab Pie idea, check out my Cranberry Apple Slab Pie or these delicious Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my Newsletter, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for all my latest recipes and videos.
Slab Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 2 large eggs slightly beaten
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light-color corn syrup
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups whole pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10" jelly roll pan.(See Note 1) with foil or parchment paper. Set pan aside.
- For crust, in a medium bowl stir together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. With a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan and using hands, press to cover bottom. (See Note 2). Bake for 20 minutes or until light brown. Sprinkle with chocolate chips (optional).
- In a medium bowl stir together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, the 2 tablespoons melted butter, and the vanilla. Add the pecans and gently mix to coat. Pour over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake about 20 minutes more or until the filling is set. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
- Lift uncut bars out of pan by aluminum foil or parchment paper. Transfer to a cutting board; cut into bars. Makes 24 bars or 48 smaller ones.
Notes
- Need another baking tray? A 15” x 10” jelly roll pan (150”) can be substituted with one 9” square pan (81”), plus one 8” square or 9” round pan (64”) for a total area of 145”.
- Sprinkled dough crumbs in the bottom of a lined sheet pan and line with a sheet of plastic wrap, lay another sheet pan on top and press.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I’m loving this classic dessert as finger food thing you have going on. Really, so clever. I love pecan pie and this looks awesome!!
I’m so glad I have some in the freezer… they may need to come out and get eaten this weekend. 🙂 Thanks Marissa!
Hey Kevin, we are on the same page! Pecan is my favorite pie ever and if I had a whole slab, I’d hoard it! hehe! But you added chocolate… that just took pecan pie up like 1,000 times! I’m loving that press in crust and the ease of your recipe. Y’all have a fabulous thanksgiving and give those two fur babies a chin scratch for me! 😀
Thank you Traci, it’s pecan madness! This crust is so easy and versatile, too. Lots of toppings to choose from. Oliver and Kodi said to say hello, too. 🙂
So, I’m here thinking to myself: If I didn’t have a blog of my own, I would only make recipes from your blog. Seriously, it’s one better than the other. These bars, for example, would be gone in a matter of seconds!
This comment leaves me a little speechless. You’re the best, thanks so much Olivia. 🙂
Yeeessss to that crust and also to the addition of chocolate! You sure do know how to do dessert right. Pecan pie is one of my weaknesses and there’s no way I could pass up one (or two) of these bars.
Gotta sneak in that chocolate whenever I can… if appropriate of course! 😉 Thanks Faith!
Great tip on using the plastic wrap and another sheet pan to press down the crust! Love how your mind works! A platter of these would be perfect next to a couple pumpkin pies! Yum!
Thanks Kathi! I try to pass on any tips or tricks to make life in the kitchen a little easier. Better yet, these would look great next to my Slab Pumpkin Pie Bars! Enjoy!
Hey Kevin! Another grand dessert and so much easier (and less messy) than pie! It’s just necessary to have a pecan dessert for the holidays. I usually make a chocolate pecan pie, but I do believe there is a switch about to happen here! You and Dave (and your friends and neighbors) certainly do eat very, very well my friend!
At least in this bar format they aren’t as indulgent as a hefty slice of pie. At least that’s what I tell myself as I reach for another square!
Keep your eyes peeled Dorothy, next Wednesday is all you. 😉
bars to me are easier to control self from finishing a whole pie,,,, I so love pecan pie… I need to make these ,,,love adding chocolate too , pinned
Thanks Farida. It also makes me say… “just one more!” Hahaha
This is just what I need right now! It sounds great.
Thanks Sabrina. Too bad all of ours are gone or I’d have one with my morning coffee!
Ah, I love a good pecan pie Kevin! This is well timed, I’m starting to make my Christmas prep list. I’m thinking these in smaller bites would be great for our guests in the holidays. Well that or your cran apple creations!
That’s music to my ears, cheers Matt and thanks!
Pecan pie is my favorite holiday dessert! It’s the one pie that always has to show up. But I’ve never tried making it in bar form. This looks delicious, Kevin! Hope you guys have a great pie-filled weekend out there on the West Coast!
Thanks Dave and this has a sneaky little layer of optional chocolate in there that makes it for me. 🙂