Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe
If you’re a dessert lover seeking that perfect blend of buttery crunch and gooey, nutty goodness, Pecan Shortbread Bars are about to become your new obsession. This irresistible treat combines a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base with a sweet, sticky pecan topping that tastes just like a slice of pecan pie—all in a delightfully easy-to-eat bar. Whether you’re serving these at a holiday party, packing them up for a picnic, or sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee, Pecan Shortbread Bars deliver comfort and decadence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pecan Shortbread Bars is how a few straightforward ingredients come together to create magic. Each component brings its own richness, texture, or depth, making these bars truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for the shortbread crust, it gives these bars structure and that classic tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the ‘buttery’ crust.
- Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Adds a luxurious richness to both the crust and the topping—unsalted is best so you control the saltiness.
- Salt: A pinch brings out the flavors in the crust and balances the sweetness.
- Light brown sugar: Offers a deep caramel note and a beautiful golden color to the topping.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the topping irresistibly gooey while helping it set perfectly.
- Large eggs: Bind the topping, giving it a luscious, sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a heady aroma and warmth.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show—nutty, toasty, and delightfully crunchy!
How to Make Pecan Shortbread Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra on the sides so you’ll be able to lift out your bars easily once they’re cool. This little trick makes slicing and serving so much simpler and keeps your bars neat!
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles crumbly wet sand—don’t overmix! Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined pan, reaching into all the corners. Bake for about 15 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden shade.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Pecan Topping
While the crust is baking, grab a large bowl. Whisk together the packed light brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure every piece is well coated. The filling should be thick but pourable.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust is out of the oven and still hot, pour the pecan topping evenly over the surface. Use a spatula to gently spread the mixture into an even layer, ensuring every bite gets plenty of pecans. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The filling will bubble and the edges might puff a bit—this is just right! You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow your Pecan Shortbread Bars to cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off—cutting too soon can lead to a sticky mess. Once cool, use the parchment overhangs to carefully lift the whole slab out onto a cutting board, then slice into 24 neat bars. Each one promises a perfect balance of crunchy crust and gooey, nut-filled top!
How to Serve Pecan Shortbread Bars
Garnishes
For a touch of flair, dust your Pecan Shortbread Bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Or, for true decadence, drizzle them with melted dark or white chocolate after they’ve cooled. A few extra toasted pecan halves on top add irresistible crunch and instantly elevate the look for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These bars are truly perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a more extravagant dessert plate, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—you’ll love how the creamy chill contrasts the sweet, nutty warmth of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful—they’re beautiful stacked on a rustic wooden board for a potluck, or nestled in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at picnics and bake sales. For gifting, box up a few Pecan Shortbread Bars in cellophane with a ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift you can share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pecan Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’re sturdy enough for lunchboxes or to bring into the office—just layer parchment paper between stacks to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Pecan Shortbread Bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and sliced, pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature for an easy, ready-to-serve treat at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars just a touch warm (heavenly with ice cream!), place one or two on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 10-second bursts until gently warmed. Be careful not to overdo it or the filling may soften too much.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes, you can swap in dark corn syrup if that’s what you have on hand. It will lend a richer, more robust flavor and deepen the color of your Pecan Shortbread Bars—just know they’ll taste a little closer to traditional pecan pie.
Can I make Pecan Shortbread Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the crust. The texture may be slightly different, but they’re still every bit as delicious.
My bars seem too soft to slice. What should I do?
If your bars are soft, give them more cooling time in the pan—a few hours (or overnight) will help the filling set properly. Chilling in the refrigerator can also make slicing cleaner and easier.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Pecan Shortbread Bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make them a day or two ahead and simply store them until you’re ready to serve.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
It’s not required since the pecans will toast as the bars bake, but if you want extra deep, nutty flavor, give the chopped pecans a quick toast in a dry skillet before stirring them into the topping.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Pecan Shortbread Bars, you’ll understand why they steal the show at every gathering! The combination of buttery base and sweet, nutty topping is simply unforgettable. Give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family—they’re just too good to keep to yourself!
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Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet pecan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Make the topping: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the topping over the hot crust and bake for 25–30 minutes until set. Cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a special touch, drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
