Looking for a decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser? Look no further! These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars take the classic flavors of pecan pie and elevate them with the nutty richness of brown butter. Perfect for the holidays, potlucks, or just when you want to indulge in something truly special, these bars are simple to prepare but big on flavor. Keep reading for the full recipe, expert tips, and serving ideas!

What Are Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a spin on the traditional pecan pie, but instead of a full pie, the ingredients are baked into easily portable bars. The magic comes from browning the butter before mixing it into the pecan filling. This extra step transforms the flavor, adding a rich, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel-like filling. The bars are built on a buttery shortbread crust, giving a nice contrast to the gooey filling, and each bite is packed with crunchy toasted pecans.
Ingredients List for the Shortbread Crust
To start, you’ll need these simple ingredients for the shortbread base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients List for the Pecan Pie Filling
The filling is where the magic happens! Gather these ingredients to make the gooey pecan mixture:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for browning)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¾ cup corn syrup (light or dark, depending on preference)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans (toasted for more flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker filling)
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you're looking to tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs or just want to change things up, here are a few substitutions and variations:
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Opt for one that can brown so you don’t miss out on the nutty brown butter flavor.
- Corn Syrup Alternatives: If you’re avoiding corn syrup, try using maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar instead. These alternatives will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.
- Nut Options: Though pecans are traditional, feel free to swap them for walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds. Just remember to toast the nuts to bring out their full flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished bars. Chocolate and pecans are a match made in heaven!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s break down how to create these mouth-watering bars.
How to Make the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to help lift the bars out later.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Form the crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to help press it evenly.
- Bake the crust: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
How to Make the Pecan Pie Filling:
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts, then watch for it to turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Slowly pour in the browned butter, whisking constantly to combine. Fold in the toasted pecans and optional flour.
- Pour the filling: Once your shortbread crust has cooled slightly, pour the pecan filling over it, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The center may jiggle just a little when done, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles once fully cooled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the crust: Be sure to bake the crust until it’s golden brown. If it’s undercooked, it can become soggy when you add the filling.
- Skipping the browning of the butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that sets these bars apart. Don’t skip this crucial step!
- Overbaking the filling: Be mindful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry and overly firm filling. It should still have a slight jiggle in the middle when you take it out of the oven.
- Cutting before cooling: It may be tempting to cut into the bars while they’re warm, but let them cool completely for clean, sharp edges.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to make your dessert table pop, consider some creative serving and presentation ideas.
How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars:
- Cut into even squares or rectangles: Once the bars are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into uniform squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between slices.
- Serve warm or at room temperature: These bars can be served at room temperature, or for an extra indulgent treat, heat them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.
- Pair with ice cream or whipped cream: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of decadence.
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars:
- Drizzle with melted chocolate: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for a striking finish and added flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the bars an elegant look while adding a touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with whole pecans: For a decorative touch, place a whole toasted pecan on top of each bar before serving.
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling will bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Refrigerate for cleaner cuts: If your bars are too gooey to cut cleanly, refrigerate them for 20 minutes before slicing.
- Make ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container, or refrigerate them for up to three days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes! After the bars have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
2. What’s the best way to store these bars?
You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of corn syrup?
Yes! Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar can be used in place of corn syrup, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars.
4. Do I have to use brown butter?
While it’s not essential, browning the butter gives these bars a deep, nutty flavor that’s hard to replicate. It’s worth the extra step!
Conclusion
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and unique twist on the classic pecan pie, combining the nutty depth of brown butter with the gooey sweetness of pecan filling, all atop a buttery shortbread crust. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these bars are a surefire hit. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Now that you have all the tips and steps at your fingertips, go ahead and bake these irresistible bars! They’re guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and you might just find them disappearing from the dessert table faster than you can say "pecan pie!"
PrintBrown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie recipe, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, rich brown butter filling, and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars bring out the caramelized nutty flavors, making them an irresistible dessert. Keywords: Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars, pecan pie bars recipe, holiday dessert bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Pecans
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Corn syrup
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish.
- Make shortbread crust using butter, flour, and sugar. Bake.
- Brown butter in a pan, then mix with eggs, sugar, vanilla, and pecans for the filling.
- Pour filling over baked crust.
- Bake until golden and set.
- Cool and slice into bars.
Notes
Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
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