Irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible brown butter pecan pie bars combine a nutty, caramel-like flavor with a buttery crust for a delicious treat. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack any time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups pecan halves, toasted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in the browned butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the toasted pecan halves.
6. Step 6: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly gooey in the center.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares for serving.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the pecans gently in a dry skillet before adding for enhanced flavor and crunch.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the filling for a festive twist.
• Use a mix of pecans and walnuts for a varied nut texture.

Storage

Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

How do I know when the pie bars are done baking?

The filling should be set around the edges but still a little soft and gooey in the center when you gently shake the pan.

Irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 68 reviews

These Irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Toasted pecans and the nutty flavor of brown butter make these bars a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, perfect for dessert or sharing with friends and family.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (4×4-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves, toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
2. Prepare Brown Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Make the Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in the browned butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
4. Form and Bake the Crust: Press the brown butter crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the 2 cups toasted pecan halves to evenly distribute them.
6. Assemble and Bake Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly gooey in the center for that perfect texture.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps the filling to set fully, making the bars easier to cut and enjoy.

Notes

• To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid burning.
• Use parchment paper with overhangs on the sides to easily lift the bars out of the pan once cooled.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans and add chocolate chips or dried fruits instead.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Keywords: brown butter pecan pie bars, pecan bars, brown butter dessert, holiday bars, easy pecan dessert