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Home » Dessert » Brownies/Bars » Pecan Bars

Pecan Bars

By Lauren Allen on October 30, 2015, Updated August 9, 2019

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These perfect Pecan Bars are a thick shortbread soft cookie bar topped with the most amazing candy-like caramel pecan topping.

Pecan Bars | Tastes Better From ScratchWhen I was younger I didn’t like any kind of nuts. I tolerated pistachios at Christmas time, but that was about it. I still can’t stand the thought of a Snickers bars, but for the most part, I’ve grown to love them–especially pecans!

I’ve been a little pecan happy lately. Some of my favorite recipes using pecans (all which are perfect for Thanksgiving!) include:

Pumpkin Pie with Caramel Pecan Topping

Caramel Pecan Apple Crisp

Sweet Potato Casserole

Pecan Bars | Tastes Better From Scratch

I wasn’t completely sure how these Pecan Bars were going to turn out, but they blew me away. A thick shortbread soft cookie bar with the most amazing candy-like caramel pecan topping.

They are absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to make them again! I stored them in the fridge and they tasted great for several days.

Pecan Bars | Tastes Better From Scratch

CONSIDER TRYING THESE HOMEMADE PIES:
  • Cherry pie
  • Lemon Sour Cream Pie
  • Pumpkin Pie with Caramel Pecan Topping
  • Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Pie
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Chocolate Cream Pie
  • Oreo Cheesecake Pie
  • Lemon Chiffon Pie
  • Coconut Cream Pie
  • Triple Berry Pie

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Pecan Bars | Tastes Better From Scratch

Pecan Bars

These perfect Pecan Bars are a thick shortbread soft cookie bar topped with the most amazing candy-like caramel pecan topping.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 15
Calories: 673kcal
Author: Lauren Allen

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups butter (2 1/2 sticks), room temperature
  • 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
  • 1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar , packed
  • 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 pound pecans , chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 
  • For the crust, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  •  Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  • Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. And add to the mixing bowl. Mix just until dough is combined. 
  • Flour your hands and press the dough evenly into 9x13'' baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool.
  • For the topping, add the butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar to a saucepan over low heat and stir until butter is melted. 
  • Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and chopped pecans. 
  • Pour over the crust and smooth into an even layer.
  • Bake for 20 to 27 minutes or until the filling is set. Allow to cool completely. 
  • Then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Adapted from Ina Garten

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 935IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1.9mg
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Pecan Bars recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch

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Brownies/Bars· Christmas· Cookies· Dessert· Holiday· Special Occasion· Thanksgiving
9 Comments

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Comments

  1. Jason Hebert says

    November 8, 2015 at 11:07 pm

    I wish you could sell and ship your Pecan and Toffee Chocolate Chip Bars. They look so amazing! I just rarely have any time to create awesome snacks like this, or I would do it quite often!

    Reply
  2. Sarah Metcalf says

    September 14, 2018 at 10:40 am

    We loved this recipe!! But I did something different then you. The cup of butter in the pecan topping I browned. I love anything browned butter so this just made this recipe extra magical. I highly recommend it!

    Reply
  3. Kim says

    December 14, 2018 at 12:01 pm

    Do these pecan bars freeze well

    Reply
    • Lauren Allen says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:24 pm

      Yes, they freeze very well! Let them come to room temperature, cut them in squares and store them in a freezer ziplock bag.

      Reply
  4. Amy says

    January 29, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    These were SOO good! Chewy and soft and just the right flavor. I might even like these better than my favorite pecan pie.

    Reply
  5. Maggie W. says

    February 8, 2019 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    Lauren – If I could give these pecan bars 10 stars I would. My enjoyment of pecan pie is pretty intense – and I honestly didn’t think anything could rival it, but these pecan bars are everything.

    My tweaks: I added cinnamon to both the dough and the filling (because cinnamon is life) – and I didn’t have light Karo syrup but I DID have a bottle of Lyle’s Golden Syrup which is pretty much the same thing. If it makes a difference in flavor, I wouldn’t know. I’m curios though whether you COULD make these with dark Karo, which I think often has more flavor (and it’s why I don’t ever have light in my house). Any thoughts, Lauren?

    Reply
    • Lauren Allen says

      March 20, 2019 at 4:05 pm

      Thanks Maggie for your kind comments. I really enjoyed your tweaks as well.

      Reply
  6. Marie says

    April 20, 2019 at 8:29 am

    Did you use unsalted butter?

    Reply
    • Lauren Allen says

      April 20, 2019 at 9:10 am

      I used salted but either will work! Add a little extra pinch salt if using unsalted butter.

      Reply

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Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos. Read More
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