Looking to savor the flavors of the South in a convenient and delectable form? Look no further than these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. With a buttery crust and a rich, gooey filling packed with pecans, these bars are the perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delightful journey of creating these irresistible Southern Pecan Pie Bars.
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
1 cup light corn syrup
4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- Crafting the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, using either a pastry cutter or your hands.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Creating the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the coarsely chopped pecans until well combined.
- Assembling and Baking:
- Pour the prepared filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring it spreads evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are beautifully golden brown.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Slice into squares and serve. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Tips:
- Serve these Southern Pecan Pie Bars warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
- Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added visual appeal and nutty flavor.
- Accompany these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and satisfying dessert experience.
- For special occasions, present the bars on a decorative platter or dessert tray to impress your guests.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life, extending up to 1 week. Ensure they are tightly covered to prevent them from drying out.
- Before serving refrigerated bars, allow them to come to room temperature or gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft and gooey texture.
- For longer-term storage, pecan pie bars can be frozen. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat as desired before serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Southern Pecan Pie Bars remain fresh, delicious, and ready to delight your taste buds whenever you crave a taste of Southern comfort.
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FAQs:
Can I use different nuts in this recipe instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for Southern Pecan Pie Bars, you can experiment with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution throughout the filling.
How do I know when the filling is set and the bars are ready to be removed from the oven?
The filling should appear firm in the center and slightly jiggly towards the edges when gently shaken. Additionally, the edges of the bars should be golden brown. If uncertain, you can perform a toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out mostly clean (with perhaps a few moist crumbs), the bars are ready.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for an event or gathering?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time! You can prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their gooey texture.
How can I prevent the crust from becoming too soggy?
To ensure a crisp crust, it’s essential to pre-bake it before adding the filling. This helps to partially cook the crust and create a barrier, preventing it from becoming soggy when the filling is added. Additionally, make sure not to overfill the crust with the filling, as this can also contribute to sogginess. Follow the recipe instructions for the crust thickness and filling quantity to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the South with these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. Perfectly balanced with a buttery crust and a luscious pecan-filled filling, these bars are a true delight for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees to leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of Southern hospitality with every bite of these decadent bars.
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover a delightful recipe for Southern Pecan Pie Bars that brings the flavors of the South to your kitchen. With a buttery crust and a rich, nutty filling, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
salt
unsalted butter
For the filling:
light corn syrup
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
unsalted butter
vanilla extract
pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking pan.
- Make the crust by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Press into pan and bake until golden.
- Prepare the filling by whisking together corn syrup, sugars, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour filling over pre-baked crust and bake until set.
- Cool, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
Serve bars warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-16 bars
