Introduction
Hey there, friend! Today, I want to share a delightful recipe for Easy Pecan Pie Bars For Two. These bars are not only delicious but also perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave a sweet treat but don’t want to make a whole pie.
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’re snuggled up on the couch with your favorite blanket. The aroma of freshly baked pecan pie bars wafts through the air, making your mouth water. That’s the kind of cozy experience these bars bring to the table.
So, grab your baking essentials, and let’s dive into making these scrumptious pecan pie bars together!
But first, why do I love this recipe so much? Well, let me tell you…
Why You’ll Love This
I make these pecan pie bars when I want a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist. My family goes crazy for this dessert because it combines the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form. Plus, they are just the right size for sharing with a loved one or indulging in a solo treat.
(And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dessert that you can enjoy without committing to a whole pie, am I right?)
Now, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the pecan filling:
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 1/3 cup corn syrup
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
(Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add a dash of cinnamon for a flavor twist!)
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the directions.
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×5-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
5. Stir in the chopped pecans and pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7. Let the pecan pie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before serving.
Now, grab a bar (or two), and savor the deliciousness!
Notes
Through my trial and error, I’ve found that slightly underbaking the bars results in a gooey and decadent texture that’s simply irresistible. Don’t worry if the center looks a bit jiggly when you take them out of the oven; they will set as they cool.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by reducing the amount of sugar in the filling or adding a drizzle of caramel on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Variations
As an experiment, I once tried adding a sprinkle of bourbon to the pecan filling for a boozy twist. Let’s just say it didn’t turn out as expected, but hey, that’s the fun of trying new things in the kitchen!
You can also play around with the crust by incorporating crushed graham crackers or adding a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing flavor profile.
Equipment
If you don’t have a 9×5-inch baking pan on hand, don’t fret! A similar-sized baking dish will work just fine. Improvise with what you have; that’s the beauty of home baking.
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, these pecan pie bars never last more than a day! If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may lose a bit of their crunchiness over time, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving these pecan pie bars slightly warmed up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, gooey filling and cold, creamy topping is pure perfection.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings; a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can take these bars to the next level!
Pro Tips
One lesson I’ve learned form experience is to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. I once tried slicing into them while they were still warm, and let’s just say it turned into a delicious mess!
Also, don’t skip the step of lining your baking pan with parchment paper. It makes removing the bars a breeze and saves you from a potential sticky situation!
FAQ
Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup in the filling?
A: Absolutely! Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the texture of the filling, but in a delicious way!
Q: Do I have to use real butter, or can I substitute margarine?
A: While you can technically use margarine, I find that the flavor and texture are superior when using real butter. Trust me; it’s worth it!
Easy Pecan Pie Bars For Two
Enjoy the delightful taste of pecan pie in a convenient bar form with these Easy Pecan Pie Bars For Two. Perfect for cozy evenings, these bars offer a sweet treat without committing to a whole pie.
Ingredients
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
1/3 cup brown sugar
-
1/3 cup corn syrup
-
1 egg
-
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/8 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
-
A sprinkle of sea salt
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×5-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
-
While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
-
Stir in the chopped pecans and pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
-
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
-
Let the pecan pie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before serving.
