If there’s one nostalgic treat that captures the warmth and flavor of festive gatherings, it’s Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat. These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, nutty pecan filling that’s sweet but never cloying, gooey yet with just enough chew, and topped off with the lovely crunch of pecans. They’re irresistibly decadent, easy to slice and share, and always seem to vanish faster than any pie on the table. Whether you’re preparing them for a family get-together, office potluck, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that deserves a spot in your collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let me tell you, the magic here is in the simplicity of the ingredients! Each element, from buttery crust to the luscious filling, has a purpose. Together they layer up into Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat, with flavors and textures you won’t soon forget.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the crust, lending structure and tender bite for the perfect base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough while adding a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the wonderful buttery flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Cold, cubed butter makes the shortbread crust crumbly and rich.
- Large eggs: Provide binding and structure to the filling, turning it into a luscious, sliceable layer.
- Light corn syrup: Delivers that signature gooey texture in the pecan filling — don’t skip this essential syrupy sweetener!
- Light brown sugar: Adds warmth, richness, and a gentle caramel note to every bite.
- Melted unsalted butter: Introduces extra depth of flavor and helps everything combine smoothly in the fillling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and essential sweetness; go for pure vanilla for the best results.
- Chopped pecans: The star ingredient, bringing their signature buttery crunch and nutty aroma to the forefront.
How to Make Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on both sides, so you’ll have little parchment handles to easily lift the bars out once they’re cool. This tip makes for neat, beautiful bars with zero sticking to the pan!
Step 2: Build the Buttery Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt until well combined. Drop in your cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. You’re looking for a texture like coarse crumbs or wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the base of your lined pan, really working it into the corners. Bake the crust for about 18–20 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden shade.
Step 3: Mix Up the Filling
While the crust is baking, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, light brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Once smooth, stir in the chopped pecans so every nutty bit gets coated in that luscious filling. You want a glossy, pourable mixture.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
When the crust comes out piping hot from the oven, evenly pour your pecan filling right over the top. Use a spatula to spread the pecans into a single layer, making sure each bite will have plenty of those delicious nuts. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the filling is set (no longer jiggly) and a deep golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like pure holiday magic!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Patience is key here! Let the pan cool completely at room temperature before you lift out the slab using your handy parchment overhang. Once cooled, slice the Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat into 24 neat bars—perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking one for yourself with a cup of coffee.
How to Serve Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat
Garnishes
Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat truly shine with just a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry finish, or a pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast the gooey sweetness. If you want to get fancy, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for a decadent twist, or pile on a dollop of whipped cream just before serving!
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of strong coffee, or even a glass of bourbon for the ultimate cozy treat. They are wonderful alongside a simple fruit salad or presented among a platter of mixed holiday cookies to break up all the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting the Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat into bite-sized squares and nestle them into mini cupcake liners for an elegant finger-friendly presentation. Stack them on a rustic wooden board with clusters of candied pecans, or wrap a few bars in parchment and tie with baker’s twine for edible gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars are a dream when it comes to storage! Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay delightfully chewy and never go soggy, making them an easy make-ahead option for parties and busy holiday weeks.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat. Simply cool the bars completely, slice, and layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve these bars warm, just pop individual pieces in a low (300°F) oven for 7–10 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds until gently heated through. That slightly warm filling is heavenly, especially when paired with ice cream or homemade whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
You can swap in dark corn syrup if you like a deeper molasses flavor, though the bars will be a bit richer and have a darker color. The texture will stay about the same, so you can follow the recipe as written!
What’s the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?
A quick pulse in a food processor works wonders, but hand-chopping with a knife gives you more control over the size. Aim for small, rough pieces for the best bite in every bar.
Can I make these bars gluten free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour in the crust with your favorite gluten-free blend (measure for measure). The filling is already naturally gluten free, so you’re good to go.
Should I toast the pecans before adding them?
If you love a deep, toasty nut flavor, briefly toasting the pecans in the oven first can really enhance their aroma. But since the bars already bake for a while, untoasted pecans work perfectly too if you’re short on time.
Can I add chocolate or bourbon to the filling?
Definitely—chopped chocolate or a splash of bourbon make excellent additions! Stir either one into the filling before pouring over the crust, and prepare yourself for a fun twist on classic Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you slice them, Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat have a way of making every gathering feel a little more special. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover firsthand how quickly they’ll become everyone’s new favorite tradition!
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Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delectable Pecan Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dessert or just a special indulgence. With a buttery crust and a sweet, nutty filling, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
For the filling:
3 large eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- To make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake until lightly golden.
- To make the filling: Whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour over the crust and bake until set.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
- Store pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a flavor twist, consider adding a splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
