The Story Behind These Pecan Pie Bars

Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about these incredible Pecan Pie Bars. I remember the first time I ever made these… These were the days when my youngest was going through a *serious* picky eating phase, and I was desperately searching for anything remotely nutritious he’d actually eat. That’s how these Pecan Pie Bars were born! They were a total dinnertime nutrition win.

He loved the sweet, nutty flavor, and I loved that I could sneak in a bit of whole wheat flour and reduce the refined sugar without him even noticing. It was pure mom magic!

These Pecan Pie Bars quickly became a family favorite. They’re now a staple for holidays and potlucks because they’re so easy to make and transport. Seriously, way easier than wrangling a whole pecan pie!

What I especially appreciate about this recipe is that it proves that simple nutrition doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen. As busy moms, we need all the sanity-saving nutrition we can get!

I know how overwhelming it can feel to try and balance healthy eating with everything else on our plates. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. These bars are the perfect way to satisfy those sweet cravings while still nourishing your family.

Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters, time constraints, or simply a desire to make healthier choices, these bars are here to help. Trust me, if I can pull these off in my chaotic kitchen, you absolutely can too. Let’s get started, fellow nutrition-seekers!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, this Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crust.
½ cup whole wheat flour: I like to sneak this in for added fiber and nutrients in my Gooey Pecan Pie Bars.
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Make sure it’s cold so the crust is nice and flaky.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture to the crust.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
4 large eggs: These bind the filling together and add richness.
1 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness in the filling of our Pecan Pie Bars.
1 cup light corn syrup: This helps create that classic pecan pie texture.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds even more richness and flavor to the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
3 cups pecan halves: The star of the show! I like to use a mix of halves and pieces.

No worries if you don’t have corn syrup – I sometimes use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile, but it also adds some vitamins and minerals to my Pecan Pie Bars.

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Pecan Pie Bars proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, which is always a win in my book!

For a Pecan Pie Bars nutrition hack that changed our family’s health, I sometimes add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the crust. My family gets extra nutrition when I add that. It’s an easy way to boost the omega-3s.

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I often chop the pecans in advance and store them in an airtight container. It saves time when you’re ready to assemble the Pecan Pie Bars.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Now for the fun part! Let’s make these delicious and nutritious Pecan Pie Bars. I promise it’s easier than you think.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your Pecan Pie Bars won’t stick.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and salt. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Pecan Pie Bars usually takes me about 10 minutes to prep.
Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for a flaky crust. Don’t overmix!
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s nice and firm.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. While the crust is baking, it’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Sanity-saving nutrition starts with planning.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Your Pecan Pie Bars should smell nourishing by now.
Stir in the pecan halves. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust. Don’t worry if your Pecan Pie Bars looks a little uneven at this point; it’ll all even out in the oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquidy. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Pecan Pie Bars – I would often overbake them, resulting in a dry filling. Learn from my experience and keep a close eye on them!
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be too gooey.

While your Pecan Pie Bars are cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! It’s the little things that make a difference. For a family-tested nutrition shortcut, I often double the crust recipe and freeze half for later. It saves so much time!

I also discovered that using a glass baking pan helps the Pecan Pie Bars cook more evenly. Wellness lessons learned in the kitchen are the best!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so how does our family devour these Pecan Pie Bars? Let me tell you!

The kids devour this nutritious Pecan Pie Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please. I sometimes add a side of fresh berries for extra vitamins and antioxidants.

My husband loves these Pecan Pie Bars with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. It’s his little indulgence that keeps him going. This Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!

These bars are also fantastic for potlucks and gatherings. I always get asked for the recipe! For presentation tips that make healthy food appealing to families, I like to arrange the Pecan Pie Bars on a pretty platter and garnish them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

For leftover ideas that maintain nutrition, I like to crumble the Pecan Pie Bars over yogurt or oatmeal for a healthy and delicious breakfast. The kids think it’s a treat, and I know they’re getting a good dose of nutrients.

During the fall, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling for a cozy, seasonal twist. I’ve even tried adding a layer of chocolate chips to the crust – talk about a dinnertime nutrition win!

My friends are always amazed that these Pecan Pie Bars are relatively healthy. They’re so used to store-bought desserts that are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. These bars are a refreshing change!

We also love these Pecan Pie Bars for picnics. I just cut them into mini pecan pie bars for easy handling.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these Pecan Pie Bars. I’m here to help a fellow mom!

Is this Pecan Pie Bars really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! While it’s still a treat, the whole wheat flour adds fiber, and pecans are packed with healthy fats and nutrients. I also reduce the sugar compared to traditional pecan pie recipes.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Pecan Pie Bars?

Start small! Offer a tiny piece and don’t pressure them. You can also try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a few chocolate chips to make it more appealing. Sometimes, just calling them “pecan squares” instead of “pecan pie bars” can help!

Can I meal prep this Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! These bars are perfect for meal prepping. They store well in the refrigerator for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

Can I make these Pecan Pie Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious in these bars. Get creative and use what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

As I mentioned earlier, you can use maple syrup as a substitute. It will give the bars a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious.

My filling is too runny. What did I do wrong?

Make sure you bake the bars long enough. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If it’s still too runny, bake it for a few more minutes.

I once had a reader ask if she could add a layer of caramel to these Pecan Pie Bars. I hadn’t tried it myself, but she reported back that it was amazing! Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Another reader shared that she adds a pinch of sea salt to the filling to balance out the sweetness. It’s a great tip!

Final Thoughts:

I truly believe that these Pecan Pie Bars can be a sanity-saving addition to your family’s nutrition plan. They’re easy to make, relatively healthy, and absolutely delicious. They remind me of another family-healthy favorite, our Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.

Here are a few of My Pecan Pie Bars Nutrition Hacks:

Sneak in the whole grains: Use whole wheat flour in the crust for added fiber.
Reduce the sugar: Use less sugar than traditional pecan pie recipes.
Add healthy fats: Pecans are packed with good fats that are beneficial for your brain and heart.

Here are some family-tested healthy Pecan Pie Bars variations:

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars: Add a layer of chocolate chips to the crust or filling.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a different flavor.
Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the filling.

My son loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. My husband is a fan of the maple pecan pie bars. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Gooey Pecan Pie Bars.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find what your family loves. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars.

I hope these bars bring as much joy and nourishment to your family as they have to mine. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to a happy and healthy family. And that includes the occasional treat!

Go ahead, give these Pecan Pie Bars a try. You’ve got this, fellow busy moms! You can create dinnertime nutrition wins. 😊

Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Pecan Pie Bars offer all the comforting flavors of classic pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-eat bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, they’re the perfect treat for holidays or any time you crave a sweet indulgence.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily remove the bars.
Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust.
Bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the pecan filling.