Irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (4x4-inch squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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