There are recipes that, for some reason, tend to get forgotten. Not because we don’t like them, but because life leads us to other things, other flavors, other cravings. That’s what happened to us with the classic pecan pie.
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We hadn’t made it in a long time; in fact, we had almost forgotten how comforting the aroma of pecans while in the oven is, mixed with that deep sweetness reminiscent of fall and long after-dinner conversations.
One day, without planning it too much, the craving returned. But this time, instead of making the traditional pie, we decided to transform it into something more practical, easier to share during this season, and perfect for cutting into squares: pecan pie bars.
The base starts with a very simple dough: flour, a little sugar, and melted butter. No kneading, no rolling, no worrying about getting it perfect. Just mix, press into a pie pan, and you’re done. That simplicity makes the bars feel accessible, like an everyday recipe that can be made even on those days when we’re in a rush but still want something homemade and special.
Then comes the filling, the heart of it all: lots of pecans mixed with a more natural sweetener, no high fructose corn syrup, just honey or pure maple syrup, which coats the nuts with an amber sheen and a more authentic, homely flavor. The mixture is baked until it is firm around the edges, soft in the center, and filled with that caramelized nutty aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone ask, “What are you making?” Don’t we all here love that question.
When the bars come out of the oven, you have to let them cool a little so they reach that perfect texture: soft, sticky, with nutty bites and a crunchy, buttery base. Each square feels like a smaller version of the classic pie, but more practical, easier to share, and more convenient to take to the office, a picnic, or a family gathering.
In the end, these bars reminded us why we loved pecan pie so much… and at the same time, they showed us that recipes can evolve without losing their essence. It’s nice how cooking does that: it turns memories into new traditions, old recipes into fresh discoveries, and simple cravings into moments that feel special.
It may have been a long time since we made pecan pie, but these bars are here to stay. And who knows, maybe they’ll become a classic in your kitchen too: one of those recipes you make over and over again, not only because they’re so delicious, but because they’re so easy to make.
If you like this recipe, you have to check out our pecan pie—you’re going to love it.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 356ºF (180°C). Line a square baking pan approximately 7.90 inches (20 cm) wide with parchment paper and grease it a little with some butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the melted butter and mix with a fork. Use clean hands to bring the mixture together and knead for a few seconds until you have a sand-like dough.
- Place the dough in the pan and press firmly with your hands or the bottom of a glass, forming a thin, even layer. Cover the corners well and smooth out the surface without compacting it too much.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let it cool down in the pan for about 15 minutes before adding the filling.
- In a large bowl, add the eggs along with the melted butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix with a hand whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Add in the flour and chopped walnuts, mixing until well combined. Carefully pour the filling over the base and spread it with a spoon so that the surface is smooth.
- Bake again for 25 minutes, until the filling is slightly puffed and dry. Let it cool down completely before cutting into 12 equal portions so that the bars are clean and well defined.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
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