Ultimate Pecan Bars Recipe

These pecan bars by Entertaining With Bethares are the best Fall dessert! It has the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors. If you want an easier version of pecan pie, this recipe is definitely it. You no longer have to deal with making pie crust from scratch – no need to refrigerate, roll, or shape your pie dough.

RELATED: Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

This dessert is also perfect for the Holiday season. Making pecan bars instead of pecan pie will save you a lot of time during Thanksgiving, allowing you to prepare more recipes within the day. It’s delicious, easy to make, and does not contain corn syrup. Give this dessert recipe a try.

Here’s another recipe for you: Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Easy Ultimate Pecan Bars Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups of butter
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 4 teaspoons of orange zest
• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup of honey
• pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon of heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups of raw pecan halves

How to Make Pecan Bars

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 350F.

Step 2:

Make the crust. In a bowl, beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer. Once it turns fluffy, beat in the egg and vanilla. Next, add the salt and orange zest.

Step 3:

Add the flour in three batches, beating after each addition.

Step 4:

Spray a 10 x 10 pan with baking spray. Use a removable bottom pan, otherwise, line a 10 x 10 brownie pan with 2 parchment paper or foil sheets going opposite directions. Turn the dough and fit it into the prepared pan.

Step 5:

Place the crust inside the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Once done baking, let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 6:

While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan bar filling. In a large sauce pot, add butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt. Place over medium heat, mixing until the mixture melts and combines. Remove it from heat, then whisk in heavy cream and vanilla.

Step 7:

In a large bowl, add the pecan halves and the filling mixture. Toss to combine until well coated.

Step 8:

Pour the pecan mixture into a slightly cooled crust, spreading it with a spatula to form an even layer. Make sure all corners of the crust are covered with pecans.

Step 9:

Line the baking sheet with foil, then place the pan on top. Bake for 25 minutes, until set. After baking, the filling will still look wet, but it will set as it cools. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 10:

Once at room temperature, place it in the fridge uncovered for 2 hours or overnight. The longer the better to cut.

Step 11:

Remove from the pan and slice into 9 equal squares. Cut each one in half to create a bar. Refrigerate until ready to serve, lightly covered. Bring the bars to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Ultimate Pecan Bars Recipe