Browned Butter Pecan Pie Bars
These cozy browned butter pecan pie bars are a warm, nutty, and indulgent holiday treat with a tender buttery crust and a sweet, sticky pecan filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting snack any time of year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 225g) unsalted butter, browned gently
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
- 1/2 cup (4 fl oz or 120ml) light corn syrup
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Brown the butter: Place 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts, foams, and then turns golden brown with nutty aromas (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat immediately once browned.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups (220g) flour, 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour in half of the browned butter (about 1/2 cup or 115g) and mix until coarse crumbs form. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges turn golden.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup, and the remaining browned butter until smooth.
- Fold in the toasted, chopped pecans and optional cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Pour the filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set but slightly wobbly in the center. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Cool the bars completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set fully.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning. Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Use room temperature eggs for a smooth filling. Bake the crust first to avoid soggy bottoms. Let bars cool and chill before slicing for best texture. Oven temperature accuracy can affect results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of rec
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: browned butter, pecan pie bars, holiday treats, easy dessert, pecan bars, nutty dessert, holiday baking