Irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Treats

Decadent brown butter pecan pie bars dance between classic Southern comfort and gourmet indulgence.

Sweet nutty flavors meld with rich, caramelized brown butter that transforms this traditional dessert.

Pecans offer a delightful crunch against a buttery, golden crust that melts in your mouth.

Each bar promises a symphony of textures and deep, complex sweetness.

The recipe captures the essence of homemade warmth and elegance in every single bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can nail this delectable treat with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Serving Brown Butter Pecan Bars for Any Gathering

• Nutty Dessert Companion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast to the rich, caramelized pecan filling.
• Holiday Celebration Plate: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and whole pecans for an elegant, festive presentation during seasonal gatherings.
• Coffee Break Delight: Pair with a hot espresso or strong black coffee to complement the sweet and nutty flavors of the bars, creating a perfect afternoon treat.
• Brunch Showstopper: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a delectable addition to a weekend brunch spread, allowing guests to enjoy a sweet nibble alongside savory dishes.

Pecan Bar Storage Advice

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Transfer frozen bars from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Let them slowly defrost to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in a preheated 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

• Why brown the butter?

Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the traditional pecan pie taste, creating deeper caramel-like notes and enhancing the overall depth of the dessert.

• Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?

Chopped pecans distribute more evenly in the filling, ensuring each bar has a balanced pecan flavor. Whole pecans might create uneven texture and make cutting bars more difficult.

• How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should look slightly firm and not jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overcooking.

Brown Butter Pecan Bars for Nut Lovers

• Elevate Flavor Complexity: Brown butter transforms this classic pecan pie into a nutty, rich dessert with deep caramel undertones that dance on your taste buds.
• Simplify Baking Process: One-pan preparation and straightforward mixing make these bars accessible for bakers of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress and cleanup time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations, these bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie that everyone will adore.
• Customize Texture Brilliance: The crisp crust and gooey pecan filling create a delectable contrast, delivering a satisfying crunch and smooth sweetness in every single bite.

Gather These for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure for the pie bar base.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate crust texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: The key ingredient that will be browned to create a rich, nutty flavor profile.

• Eggs: Serve as the binding agent that helps set the pie bar filling.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture and adds sweetness to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the pecan mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans.

• Pecans: The star ingredient that gives the bars their signature crunch and rich, nutty flavor.

Pecan Pie Bar Assembly, Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are covered for easy removal.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Swirl and cook until it turns golden brown with a rich, nutty aroma.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Crust Base

• Flour
• Powdered sugar
• Salt

Pour the browned butter into the dry ingredients and mix until a cohesive dough forms.

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn light golden.

Step 4: Prepare Pecan Filling

• Eggs
• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust.

Spread carefully to ensure even coverage.

Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets and becomes slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, cut into square bars using a sharp knife.

Serve and enjoy the rich, nutty dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Pecan Bars

• Use a light-colored pan when browning butter to easily monitor the color and prevent burning.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the bars.
• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that holds together when cutting.
• Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature to ensure clean, neat slices without crumbling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Ways to Switch Up Your Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Nutty Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same browned butter technique for rich flavor.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Squares: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and incorporate coconut sugar for a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Drizzled Pecan Bars: Add dark chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for extra decadence.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Variation: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking to enhance the sweet and nutty profile of the bars.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent brown butter pecan pie bars blend Southern comfort with nutty richness, offering a delectable twist on classic dessert traditions. Crisp buttery crust and caramelized pecans create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pecans:

• 2 cups chopped pecans

Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for crust)

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for crust)

Eggs and Dairy:

• 3 large eggs

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for crust)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for filling)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for crust)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for filling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Create a golden-brown butter by heating in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling continuously until it develops a rich, nutty aroma and caramel-like color. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Pour the slightly cooled browned butter into the dry ingredients and mix until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Press the buttery crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan, using fingertips or a flat utensil to create a uniform layer. Bake for 15 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.
5. Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
7. Carefully pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and shows minimal jiggle when gently shaken.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
10. Once thoroughly cooled, lift the bars out using parchment paper edges and slice into neat squares.

Notes

• Brown the butter carefully to develop a deep, rich flavor without burning, watching the color change from yellow to golden brown while stirring constantly.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty essence and prevent sogginess in the final bars.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges and help the filling set properly for a more professional presentation.
• Try alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile if corn syrup isn’t preferred in your diet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 327 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 77 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg