When it comes to classic American desserts, pecan pie reigns supreme, especially in the South. Its rich, buttery, nutty flavor nestled in a flaky crust is simply irresistible. Inspired by the iconic Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, and her renowned pecan pie recipe, I decided to explore a convenient and equally delicious twist: Pecan Pie Bars Pioneer Woman style.
My journey with Ree Drummond’s pecan pie started just like many others – through her blog and Food Network show. Her pecan pie recipe is legendary for a reason; it’s undeniably the best pecan pie I’ve ever tasted. So, when the craving for that familiar pecan pie goodness struck, but the thought of making a whole pie felt a bit much, pecan pie bars seemed like the perfect solution. They offer all the beloved flavors of pecan pie in a more casual, shareable, and frankly, easier-to-make format.
The Allure of Pecan Pie: A Southern Comfort
Before we dive into the delightful world of pecan pie bars, let’s appreciate the dessert that inspired it all. Pecan pie is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of Southern hospitality and a staple at holiday gatherings. Its history is as rich and layered as its flavor profile.
A Nutty History
The star of the pecan pie, the pecan, is uniquely American. It’s the only major tree nut native to North America. Long before European colonization, Native American tribes were enjoying pecans, incorporating them into their diets and even making simple nut pies.
While pecans were enjoyed for centuries, the pecan pie as we recognize it today emerged in the late 19th century. Interestingly, the earliest known recipe wasn’t from the South, but from Illinois. However, it was in the South, particularly in Texas and the Deep South, where pecan pie truly flourished and became a regional icon.
Regional Twists on a Classic
Just like many beloved recipes, pecan pie has evolved across different regions of the United States, each adding its unique touch to this classic dessert.
- Southern Pecan Pie: This is the quintessential pecan pie, embodying the traditional flavors and textures. It’s characterized by a gooey, rich filling loaded with pecans, eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, all baked in a flaky pie crust. Often adorned with pecan halves on top for added crunch and visual appeal, this is the benchmark for pecan pies.
- Texas Pecan Pie: Texans often enhance their pecan pie with the addition of chocolate chips, creating the irresistible Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. The combination of nutty pecans and decadent chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven, perfect for those who love a sweet and nutty indulgence.
- Kentucky’s Derby Pie: A close relative to pecan pie, Derby Pie incorporates pecans and chocolate chips, but with a distinctive splash of Kentucky bourbon. This boozy twist makes it a popular dessert, especially around the time of the Kentucky Derby.
- Mississippi Mud Pie: Taking pecan pie to a more decadent level, Mississippi Mud Pie is rich, intensely chocolatey, and frequently features marshmallows. While less traditional, it’s a delightful variation for those who crave a double dose of chocolate with their pecans.
Pecan pie, in all its forms, is a celebration of flavors and traditions. It’s a dessert that tells a story of American history, cultural fusion, and regional pride. Whether you prefer the classic Southern version or a chocolate-infused variation, there’s a pecan pie out there for every palate. And for those seeking a quicker, more portable option, pecan pie bars Pioneer Woman style are an excellent choice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
My take on The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe is it’s, without a doubt, the best pecan pie I’ve ever made. This recipe is adapted to create easy and delicious pecan pie bars.
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars (Pioneer Woman Inspired)
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade equivalent)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup salted butter, melted
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 oz pecans, chopped
- 4 oz pecans, halved (for topping)
Instructions for Pecan Pie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Unroll pie crusts and press one into the bottom of the prepared pan, gently pressing to fit. You may need to patch seams if using pre-made crusts.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the pie crust base.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the chopped pecans in the pan.
- Arrange the pecan halves on top of the filling in a decorative pattern if desired, or simply scatter them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center (a slight jiggle is okay, it will set as it cools). If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling completely is crucial for the bars to set properly and be easy to slice. This may take at least an hour.
- Once completely cool, cut into bars. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices if needed.
Notes for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Crust Options: While this recipe uses pre-made pie crusts for convenience, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe for an even more from-scratch treat.
- Nut Variety: You can use all chopped pecans if you prefer, or experiment with other nuts like walnuts or a mix for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can slightly reduce the granulated sugar, but corn syrup is important for the texture and should not be reduced significantly.
- Storage: Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24 bars (depending on cut size)
Serving Size:
1 bar Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300 (estimated, varies with bar size)Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4.5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 38.5gFiber: 1.5gSugar: 32gProtein: 3g
