Pecan Pie Bars

If you're in search of an easy, classic dessert to make for a family dinner or to bring along to your next potluck? We've found the recipe you need. These delicious Pecan Pie Bars are an easier alternative to the traditional pecan pie while still offering plenty of flavor.

Since these easy-to-make squares are made in a 13- x 9-inch casserole dish, it's great to bake when you're serving a large crowd because the recipe makes 28 squares. (The pan also makes them very easy to transport.)

Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients

To make these Pecan Pie Bars, you will need all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, butter, brown sugar, honey, butter, whipping cream, and pecans.

For a more desirable dessert, serve the squares warm with vanilla ice cream on top, or we wouldn't argue against a drizzle of dark chocolate.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan squares are easier to make than traditional pecan pie, use common and widely available ingredients, and don't require the fuss of blind baking a crust. Plus, they're also easier to transport for a holiday potluck, gathering, or as a sweet homemade gift.

Step 1. Prepare the crust

To make Pecan Pie Bars, first sift together flour and powdered sugar. Cut in softened butter until the mixture has the texture of course meal.

Pat the mixture on the bottom and up the sides of a lightly greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F until the edges are lightly browned, and then cool.

Step 2. Make the pie filling

Bring to a boil brown sugar, honey, butter, and whipping cream in a saucepan. Stir in the pecans, and pour the filling into the prepared crust.

Step 3. Bake

Bake at 350°F until the pecan pie bars are golden brown and bubbling. Let them cool completely before cutting them into two-inch bars. The recipe yields 28 bars, so it's ideal for a crowd or to package up as holiday gifts.

Learn more: 33 Pecan Recipes You'll Love to Make

How Do You Know When Pecan Pie Bars Are Done?

When these pecan squares are done baking, the edges will be golden brown and bubbling. (The bake time is about 25 to 30 minutes.) The filling should be fully set at the edges, but may still jiggle a bit at the center.

Do Pecan Pie Bars Need to Be Refrigerated?

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigerating egg-rich homemade pecan pie, these pecan pie bars contain no eggs. These may be kept in an air-tight container outside of the fridge, or refrigerated for longer-lasting bars.

More: ​​51 Sweet Pecan Desserts That Are Southern Favorites

What Can Pecans Be Used For?

In addition to pecan pie bars and pecan pie, the nuts work well as a versatile, seasonal flavor across a range of desserts. Other Southern favorite recipes include Butter Pecan Layer Cake With Browned Butter Frosting, Flourless Pecan-Chocolate Cake, Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines, Pumpkin Spice Magic Cake, and Georgia Pecan Double-Decker Brownies.

Community Feedback

This recipe is a favorite among the Southern Living community, prized for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing factor.

"This is my first go-to cookie recipe—I have never given these out to anyone that has not asked for the recipe," writes Diane Katzmark. "Very easy to make and always a welcome gift."

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.