Go Back
- 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 cups pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup corn syrup - Whipped cream (for serving) The key to making these brown butter pecan pie bars is in the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role. First, the unsalted butter is what gives these bars their rich flavor. I always go for high-quality butter. It makes a big difference in taste. The flour acts as the base for the crust. It holds everything together and gives it a nice texture. Brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness. It has a hint of caramel that works well with pecans. Pecans are the star of this dessert. I love to chop them, so you get a mix of crunch and creaminess with each bite. Granulated sugar balances the flavor. It sweetens the filling just right. Eggs bring everything together. They help the filling set and create a smooth texture. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Nutmeg gives it a truly festive touch. A little corn syrup adds that classic pecan pie feel. Finally, whipped cream is perfect when you serve these bars. It adds creaminess and makes each bite even better. - Chocolate chips - Sea salt for garnish - Additional spices If you want to take these bars to the next level, consider adding some chocolate chips. The mix of chocolate and pecan is heavenly. You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top after baking. It enhances the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully. Feel free to explore with other spices too. Cinnamon or even a touch of cloves can add a unique twist. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. To brown butter, start by melting one cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Watch for it to bubble and foam. After about five to seven minutes, it will turn a nice golden brown. It should smell nutty. Remove it from the heat to stop cooking. This step is key for rich flavor. Temperature control is very important. If the heat is too high, the butter can burn. Keep a close eye on it. The right color and smell mean you did it right. This brown butter will add depth to your pie bars. For the crust, gather one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of brown sugar, and a quarter teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Once your butter has cooled a bit, pour it into the bowl. Mix it well until it forms a dough. Next, press the crust mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure it covers the bottom well. This step is crucial for a nice, even base. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. It should look lightly golden when ready. Now, for the filling, mix together half a cup of granulated sugar, three large eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg, and a quarter cup of corn syrup in a large bowl. Whisk it all until smooth. When it’s well mixed, gently fold in two cups of chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix. You want to keep the pecans whole for a nice texture. They will add a lovely crunch to your bars. Once the crust is baked and slightly cooled, pour the pecan filling over it. Spread the filling evenly across the crust. This ensures each bite has that sweet filling. Bake the whole dish for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the filling to be set and slightly bubbly around the edges. This shows it’s done. Let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before slicing. Cooling is important. Let the bars cool completely in the pan first. This helps them set up nicely. Once cool, slice into squares or bars. For serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. It makes each bite even better. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. These bars are a delicious way to end a meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To brown butter, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You will see it bubble and start to foam. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. Turn off the heat when the butter turns a golden brown color. The nutty smell is a key sign of perfectly browned butter. A sturdy crust helps keep your bars from getting soggy. Start by pressing the crust firmly into the baking dish. Bake it for 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This adds a nice crunch. For a firmer filling, bake it until it is set and slightly bubbly. You can add spices like cinnamon or ginger for extra flavor. A pinch of salt can also make the sweetness pop. Try mixing in different nuts too, like walnuts or almonds. They offer a unique taste and texture that pairs well with pecans. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or sea salt on top before serving. For the full recipe, check out the Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars. {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts in your bars. Walnuts and almonds work well. They add their own unique taste. If you want a nut-free version, try using seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can give a nice crunch. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat! Want to mix in some other flavors? You can add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Drizzling caramel on top gives a rich flavor. Consider holiday-inspired variations too. Cinnamon or ginger can add warmth for fall or winter. These flavors can make your dessert feel special. If you need gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free flour blend. It works just as well! For vegan options, swap the eggs for flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. You can still enjoy these bars while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars fresh, I recommend storing them in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent drying out and keeps them tasty. You can also place them in an airtight container. This is a great option if you want to save space. - Use plastic wrap for individual bars or slices. - Choose an airtight container to stack layers safely. - Avoid storing them at room temperature to maintain freshness. You can freeze these bars for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. You can also place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep them fresh. - To thaw, take them out of the freezer and let them sit in the fridge overnight. - For best flavor, use them within three months. If you need the full recipe, check out the Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars 🥧 recipe section. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. To do this, bake the bars and let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. This makes it easy for gatherings or busy days. Look for a few signs to know when these bars are done. The filling should be set and slightly bubbly. The edges will look firm, while the center may be a touch jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking for the best results. These bars are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with some tasty sides. I recommend serving them with a dollop of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also works wonders. For a fun twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. These pairings add extra texture and flavor that will impress your guests. Pecan pie bars and traditional pecan pie differ mainly in their texture and cooking methods. Bars have a firmer base, thanks to the crust. They are cut into squares, making them easy to serve. Traditional pecan pie has a softer, gooey filling and is baked in a pie crust. Both are yummy, but bars are a great option for easy serving and sharing. For the full recipe, check out Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars. This blog shared a simple way to make delicious Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars. You learned about the key ingredients, like brown sugar and pecans, and how to prepare them. I explained how to brown butter and create a sturdy crust. I also gave tips to avoid soggy bars and ways to enhance flavors. Try these bars with whipped cream, or customize them to your taste. Enjoy baking these sweet treats!

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

Indulge in the delightful world of Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars, a dessert that perfectly combines rich flavors and satisfying crunch! These bars feature a buttery crust and a sweet pecan filling that will wow your family and friends at any gathering. With our simple step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to create these irresistible dessert treats in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter (for browning and crust)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups pecans, chopped

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup corn syrup

Whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep an eye on it as it bubbles and turns golden brown, stirring frequently (about 5-7 minutes). Once it has a nutty aroma and is brown, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

    Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the browned butter (make sure it’s not too hot) and mix until the crust comes together. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

      Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and corn syrup until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.

        Combine and Bake: Once the crust has baked, carefully pour the pecan filling over it, spreading evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.

          Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares or bars. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars