Easier than pecan pie, these Pecan Pie Bars are a rich, decadent holiday treat. Buttery shortbread holds a caramelized pecan filling that's pure indulgence!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 11”x8” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper creating a sling by extending the edges of the parchment over the sides of the dish.
Shortbread Crust
In a medium bowl, stir flour and sugar together.
Cut very cold butter into cubes and add to bowl. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, mix until it resembles small crumbs.
Firmly press the shortbread into the prepared pan.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until it is a light golden brown.
Pecan filling
Prepare filling while crust is baking as you want to add it as soon as the crust comes out of the oven.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, flour, butter, cinnamon and salt.
Stir in pecans and immediately pour into warm crust.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until filling is set. Look for only a slight jiggle in the center of the bars when the dish is gently shaken. The sides should look firm and set.
Let cool completely on wire rack then chill in refrigerator for several hours before cutting into squares.
When ready to cut, lift out of the baking dish with the parchment paper sling you made and set the chilled bars on the cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, cut firmly through the pecan bars. I cut mine into 20 bars but you can make them smaller and get 25 bars.
Notes
VARIATIONSMaple Pecan Bars - replace the corn syrup with maple syrup or use half of each for added flavor.No Corn Syrup Pecan Pie Bars - substitute golden syrup or cane syrup for the corn syrup.Chocolate Pecan Bars - add ½ cup of chocolate chips to pecan filling or bake the bars then drizzle melted chocolate over the top for some awesome Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars!Tropical Pecan Bars - add ½ cup coconut to pecan filling.Bourbon Pecan Bars - add 2-3 tablespoons to pecan filling.Other Nuts -pecans not your favorite? Try these bars with walnuts or cashews.Salty - add a little salty to the sweet and sprinkle sea salt on the top.Gluten-free version - change out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free 1:1 flour.