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If you love pecan pie, prepare to be amazed by this delightful variation: Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars. Inspired by the iconic Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe, these bars offer all the rich, nutty, and gooey goodness of the classic pie in a convenient and shareable format. As someone who has baked countless desserts, I can confidently say these pecan pie bars are a fantastic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
I was first introduced to the magic of pecan pie through Ree Drummond’s blog and her Food Network show. Her pecan pie recipe quickly became a favorite, and when I needed to bring a dessert to a potluck, I thought, why not transform that incredible flavor into pecan pie bars? It was a stroke of genius! These Pioneer Woman pecan pie bars are not only easier to serve but also incredibly delicious, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
While I’m a big fan of traditional pie, sometimes you need a dessert that’s a bit more portable and less fussy. That’s where pecan pie bars shine. They are perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying at home without the need for forks and plates. And while I haven’t yet paired these bars with a whiskey maple cream sauce like Ree suggests for her pie, it’s definitely on my list for next time to elevate them even further!
Everyone who has tried these Pioneer Woman pecan pie bars raves about them. They are the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a buttery crust that complements the gooey pecan filling beautifully.
Discovering Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie is a beloved dessert, especially in the Southern United States, known for its rich history and diverse regional adaptations. But have you considered the equally delightful pecan pie bars? These bars take the essence of pecan pie and transform it into a more casual, grab-and-go treat. As a food blogger passionate about both history and easy recipes, I was intrigued to explore the world of pecan pie bars and uncover why they are becoming increasingly popular.
The Pecan: An American Nut
Let’s start with the star ingredient: pecans. Interestingly, the pecan is unique as the only major tree nut native to North America. Long before European colonization, Native American tribes like the Algonquins and Choctaws enjoyed pecans, incorporating them into various foods, including simple nut pies.
While the history of pecan pie is rooted in the late 19th century, pecan pie bars are a more modern adaptation, gaining popularity for their convenience and ease of eating. They offer the same comforting flavors of pecan pie but in a form that’s perfect for parties, picnics, and lunchboxes.
Pecan Pie Bars: A Versatile Treat
Pecan pie bars capture all the wonderful flavors of traditional pecan pie, but they also offer some unique advantages:
- Portability: Bars are inherently more portable than pie slices. They travel well, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, and bake sales.
- Ease of Serving: No need to worry about slicing and serving neat pie wedges. Pecan pie bars are pre-portioned and easy to grab.
- Perfect for Crowds: Bars are a fantastic way to feed a crowd. You can easily make a large batch and everyone can help themselves.
- Crust-to-Filling Ratio: Pecan pie bars often have a higher crust-to-filling ratio compared to pie, which many people find appealing.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic Southern pecan pie flavor or looking for a more convenient way to enjoy this dessert, Pioneer Woman pecan pie bars are a fantastic choice. They embody the same comforting, nutty sweetness we love about pecan pie, adapted into a user-friendly bar format.
So, skip the forks, grab a Pioneer Woman pecan pie bar, and enjoy the delicious taste of tradition with a modern twist. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and are sure to become a new favorite.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
These Pioneer Woman pecan pie bars are as delightful as they are easy to make. Taking inspiration from Ree Drummond’s famous pecan pie recipe, this bar version is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (pre-made, refrigerated dough works great for convenience)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 oz chopped pecans
- 4 oz pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. Press the pie crust dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the pie crust in the pan, followed by the pecan halves, arranging them as desired for a beautiful top. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the pecans in the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil.
- Remove from the oven and let the Pioneer Woman pecan pie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into bars. Cooling is crucial for the filling to set properly and for clean cuts.
Notes
Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely before cutting and serving. This ensures the filling sets perfectly and the bars are easy to handle. For extra flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before chopping and adding them to the bars.
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24 bars (approximately)
Serving Size:
1 bar Amount Per Serving: Calories: 311, Total Fat: 17.5g, Saturated Fat: 4.5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Unsaturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 168.5mg, Carbohydrates: 38.5g, Fiber: 1.5g, Sugar: 32g, Protein: 3g
