If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels both timeless and decadent, look no further than Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat. Every bite captures the warmth of toasted pecans, the buttery crispness of shortbread, and the rich caramel-like gooeyness that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds). Not only are these bars ridiculously delicious, but they’re also beautifully simple to make and incredibly versatile—ideal for serving up at festive gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something special.

Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat comes from just a handful of pantry staples, each one bringing something irresistible to the table. There’s nothing complicated here—just classic ingredients working together to create an unforgettable treat you’ll want in your regular baking rotation.

All-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy yet tender base for the buttery crust—don’t substitute with cake or bread flour for best results.
Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust and helps create those lovely golden edges.
Salt: Balances the sweetness in both the crust and filling, keeping flavors lively and never flat.
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for that dreamy, crumbly shortbread; using cold butter ensures the crust stays crisp and never greasy.
Large eggs: Hold the filling together and give it a luscious, creamy texture.
Light corn syrup: Provides that signature gooeyness in the filling while keeping it shiny and sliceable—no sticky mess here!
Packed light brown sugar: Deepens the filling’s flavor with rich caramel notes and keeps everything nice and moist.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds extra silkiness to the filling while amping up the buttery flavor in every bite.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla is just the thing to round out all the nutty notes and sweetness.
Chopped pecans: The star of the show—make sure you have fresh, quality pecans for unbeatable crunch and warmth.

How to Make Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides—this little trick guarantees that lifting your Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat out of the pan will be a breeze, with no sticking or mess.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or simply your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized bits—don’t overwork it! Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure the whole surface is covered. This step ensures your bars will have that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth base we all love.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust

Slide your pan into the oven and bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for just a hint of golden color on top—the perfect foundation for all the gooey filling you’re about to add.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth and glossy. Fold in the chopped pecans; make sure they’re well coated. This luscious mixture is what makes your Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat so rich and irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is lightly golden, pull it from the oven. Pour your pecan filling evenly over the hot crust, using a spatula to spread the mixture right into the corners. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center with just a slight wobble—it will firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this step is crucial for clean, sharp slices. When they’re cool, use those handy parchment paper overhangs to lift the slab of bars from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles, and marvel at your batch of gorgeous Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat.

How to Serve Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat

Garnishes

Top each bar with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish or add a small dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can bring these Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat over the top.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with freshly brewed coffee, a mug of hot cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, consider a simple fruit salad or citrusy sorbet to complement their richness and balance the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the bars on a festive platter and scatter whole pecans and orange zest around for a striking centerpiece. For gifting, stack a few bars in treat boxes lined with parchment, or wrap each bar individually in wax paper and tie with twine—it’s a thoughtful and scrumptious homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, store your Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For best texture, separate layers with parchment paper so they stay picture-perfect and don’t stick together.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, pop them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature—no one will ever know they weren’t just baked.

Reheating

If you love your pecan bars slightly warm, place a bar (or a whole tray, if you’re lucky!) in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes, just until heated through. Individual bars can also be microwaved in short bursts. This revives the aromas and makes the nuts even more fragrant.

FAQs

Can I toast the pecans before adding them to the filling?

Yes! Toasting pecans before baking gives them deeper flavor and amazing crunch. Just spread them on a baking sheet and lightly toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, then let them cool before chopping and adding to your filling.

Can I make Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results will still be delicious and your gluten-free friends will thank you!

Why did my bars turn out runny or not set in the middle?

This usually means the bars weren’t baked long enough, or the filling needed more time to set. Bake until the center is just barely firm with a slight jiggle. Make sure to let them cool completely before slicing, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

You can swap in dark corn syrup if you’d like a deeper molasses flavor and darker color. The texture will remain just as gooey, but the taste will be slightly more robust—experiment to find your family’s favorite!

What’s the best way to cut clean, neat bars?

For beautifully sharp squares, wait until the bars are completely cooled and use a long, sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for the neatest presentation—this is especially helpful if you want your Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat to look bakery-worthy.

Final Thoughts

Once you experience how irresistible these Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat are, they’ll quickly become a beloved part of your holiday traditions—or honestly, any time you want a cozy treat. Don’t wait for a special occasion; gathering friends around a tray of these bars is always a good idea. Happy baking!

Pecan Bars: Perfect for a Holiday Dessert or Special Treat Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pecan Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. A buttery crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

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For the crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the filling:

3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the pan and bake until lightly golden.
Prepare the filling: Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in pecans.
Assemble and bake: Pour filling over the baked crust, spread evenly, and bake until set and slightly firm.
Cool and serve: Allow to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding to the filling.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Bars freeze well for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American