The Perfect Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Crafting delectable brown butter pecan pie bars takes baking creativity to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Sweet southern traditions merge with nutty, caramelized notes in this irresistible dessert.

pecan lovers will swoon over the rich, golden filling nestled atop a buttery crust.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures that dance between crisp and creamy.

Warm spices complement the deep, toasted flavor of pecans perfectly.

My grandmother’s recipe inspired this modern twist that celebrates classic comfort with unexpected sophistication.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these decadent bars.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Elevate Dessert Game: Transform classic pecan pie into irresistible bars that are perfect for sharing and easier to serve than traditional pie.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Create a decadent dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master, even with minimal baking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Packed with rich brown butter and toasty pecans, these bars guarantee smiles and second helpings at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crisp, buttery crust and the gooey, caramel-like filling that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients Needed for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Unsalted Butter: A rich base that helps bind the crust together and adds a smooth flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a nutty brown butter flavor that adds depth to the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy filling with a silky texture.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a distinct, warm sweetness to the filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.

• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and create a custard-like texture in the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the entire dessert.
• Pecans: Provide a rich, nutty crunch and are the star ingredient of the pie bars.

How to Bake Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

Melt the butter until smooth and shiny.

• Melted butter
• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Slide it into the oven and bake until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Brown Butter

In a saucepan, start melting the butter over medium heat.

Keep a close eye and stir constantly as it transforms into a rich, nutty golden-brown color.

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Maple syrup
• Salt

Let the mixture cool down and relax for a few moments.

Step 4: Blend the Filling

Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious pecan filling over the golden crust.

Return to the oven and bake until the filling sets and develops a beautiful golden color, approximately 30-35 minutes.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

• Brown the butter slowly to develop rich, nutty flavors that elevate the entire dessert's taste profile.
• Chop pecans into uniform sizes to ensure even distribution and consistent texture in every bite.
• Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature to help filling set properly and make clean cutting easier.
• Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for simple bar removal and clean slicing without sticking.
• Watch browning butter carefully to achieve golden color without burning, which can create bitter taste.

Variations for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Nutty Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup as egg replacement, and add flax eggs to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Squares: Swap corn syrup and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Chocolate Pecan Bar Variation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled bars or mix chocolate chips into the pecan filling for extra decadence.

Serving Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Nutty Dessert Plate Companions: Scoop vanilla ice cream alongside these warm bars for a classic sweet contrast.
• Holiday Gathering Showstopper: Arrange bars on a festive platter with whole pecans scattered around the edges for elegant presentation.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Serve with a steaming espresso or rich cappuccino to complement the deep caramel and pecan flavors.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package bars in clear cellophane with a rustic twine bow for a homemade holiday food gift that feels personal and delicious.

Best Ways to Store Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crisp crust and gooey filling.
• Heat individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the crust soggy and change the texture.

FAQs

• What is brown butter and how does it enhance the flavor of pecan pie bars?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty, caramel-like depth to the recipe by heating butter until its milk solids turn golden brown, creating a more complex and intense flavor profile compared to regular melted butter.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

While you can use salted butter, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the salt content precisely. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

• How do I know when the brown butter is perfectly browned?

Look for a golden amber color and a nutty, toasted aroma. The milk solids at the bottom of the pan will turn light brown, and you’ll notice a distinct, rich fragrance.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible brown butter pecan pie bars blend Southern comfort with nutty richness, offering a delectable twist on classic desserts. Warm spices and caramelized pecans create a memorable treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Create the crust by combining melted butter with flour, sugar, and salt. Press the mixture uniformly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden-brown color.
3. Craft the brown butter by heating butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring consistently until it transforms into a golden-brown liquid with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and incorporate brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, and salt, allowing the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Whisk eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until completely smooth and integrated. Gently fold in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
5. Transfer the pecan-studded filling over the pre-baked golden crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set filling with a delicate golden surface. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

• Enhance the brown butter flavor by carefully watching the butter during browning, stopping when it reaches a deep golden color with nutty aroma.
• Prevent soggy crust by ensuring the base is fully baked and golden before adding the filling, creating a crisp foundation for the bars.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, and using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Achieve clean, precise cuts by chilling the bars completely and using a sharp knife heated under hot water between slices.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg