The Ultimate Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a decadent brown butter pecan pie bars recipe brings pure culinary magic to your dessert table.

Nutty aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising something extraordinary.

Warm, golden pecans nestled in a rich, caramelized butter base create an irresistible treat.

Sweet layers meld together, offering a sophisticated twist on classic pie flavors.

Crisp edges and soft centers guarantee a textural experience that delights every bite.

Each square delivers comfort and indulgence in perfect harmony.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet remarkable dessert that will become your new favorite.

FAQs

• How do I brown butter correctly?

Heat butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch for milk solids to turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove immediately to prevent burning.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt content and ensures a more consistent flavor.

• Why is corn syrup important in this recipe?

Corn syrup prevents sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, glossy filling. It helps achieve the classic pecan pie texture and prevents the filling from becoming grainy or too hard.

Why Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Are Great

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this delightful dessert with easy-to-follow steps that even novice bakers can master, requiring minimal kitchen skills.
• Rich Flavor Explosion: Dive into the incredible depth of brown butter and toasted pecans, creating a mouthwatering combination that elevates classic pie bars to a gourmet treat.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual family desserts, these bars satisfy sweet tooths and impress guests with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance, store them easily, and enjoy a delicious treat that tastes just as amazing the next day, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic ingredient that provides structure and stability to the pie bar crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the crust ingredients together.

• Unsalted Butter: Browned to develop a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pie bars.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure to the filling.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans.

• Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor that is essential to the pie bars.

How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Whip Up the Buttery Crust

Mix softened butter with sugar and flour until a crumbly dough forms.

Press the mixture firmly into a rectangular baking pan, creating an even layer.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 2: Create Magical Brown Butter

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat, watching carefully as it transforms from yellow to a rich, nutty amber shade.

Listen for a gentle sizzling and sniffing for a delightful caramel-like aroma.

Remove from heat the moment it turns golden brown to prevent burning.

Step 3: Blend the Luscious Filling

• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Dark corn syrup

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, creating a decadent base for the bars.

Step 4: Sprinkle Pecan Perfection

Fold in chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Pour the mixture over the pre-baked golden crust, spreading it carefully to cover every inch.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Greatness

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling sets but still maintains a slight jiggle in the center.

The top should look beautifully caramelized and slightly puffy.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into neat squares, revealing the layers of buttery crust and gooey pecan filling.

Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Tips for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Heat butter slowly to achieve a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.
• Pre-bake the crust for a crisp, golden base that stays firm under the gooey pecan filling.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their natural sweetness and add extra crunch.
• Whisk filling ingredients thoroughly to ensure a silky, consistent texture without lumps.
• Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature to help them set and develop optimal texture and slice cleanly.

Variations of Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Nutty Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Slice: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and replace eggs with flax eggs.
• Maple Walnut Alternative: Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts and use pure maple syrup for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener and adding extra vanilla for natural sweetness.

Serving Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Decadent Dessert Plate: Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a stunning contrast of warm, nutty flavors and cool creaminess.
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these pecan bars with a rich espresso or caramel-infused coffee, letting the nutty sweetness complement the robust beverage.
• Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the bars on a beautiful platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for weekend gatherings or holiday brunches.
• Make-Ahead Party Treat: Stack the bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, allowing you to prepare them a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Storing Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Store bars in a sealed container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Keep bars at room temperature in a covered container for 2 days, ensuring they stay fresh and maintain their crisp crust.
• Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their original soft, gooey texture.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible brown butter pecan pie bars blend Southern comfort with nutty richness, delivering a heavenly dessert that melts in your mouth. Sweet caramel notes and toasted pecans create a perfect harmony you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Pie Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (128 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and create a buttery foundation by mixing flour, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive dough.
2. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that will serve as the crisp base for the bars.
3. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until it achieves a light golden hue, developing a rich, toasty flavor profile.
4. Meanwhile, transform butter into a nutty brown liquid by slowly heating it in a saucepan, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Remove browned butter from heat and whisk in brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the caramel-like filling, distributing them evenly throughout the liquid.
7. Carefully pour the pecan-studded filling over the pre-baked crust, making sure it covers the surface completely and uniformly.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling sets and develops a slight wobble at the center.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier.
10. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into precise, clean squares for serving.

Notes

• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
• Enhance nutty flavor by toasting pecans before chopping, which deepens their natural richness and adds extra crunch.
• Control sweetness by reducing corn syrup and adding a touch of maple syrup for a more complex, less sugary profile.
• Prevent soggy bottom by ensuring the crust is fully baked and golden before adding the filling, creating a crisp foundation for the bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg