Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars transform the classic Southern pecan pie into bite-sized dessert bars that are rich, buttery, and full of caramelized crunch. These bars feature a tender shortbread crust layered with a gooey pecan filling — ideal for holidays, bake sales, or everyday indulgence. They capture everything you love about pecan pie but in an easier, more shareable form.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are rooted in Southern American cuisine, where pecans have long been a symbol of comfort desserts. The Pioneer Woman’s version uses simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and eggs to create a sticky-sweet filling poured over a golden, buttery crust. The result is an irresistible treat that’s easier to bake and serve than a traditional pie.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Cornbread With Creamed Corn
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Classic pecan pie flavor in easy-to-cut bar form.
• Perfect texture – crisp crust with a chewy filling.
• Make-ahead friendly for holidays or gatherings.
• Simple ingredients, no rolling dough required.
• Ideal for gifting or sharing – sturdy, sweet, and satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

For the crust:

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (softened)
• Granulated sugar – ½ cup
• Salt – ¼ tsp

For the filling:

• Light corn syrup – 1 cup
• Brown sugar – 1 cup (packed)
• Eggs – 3 large
• Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp (melted)
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Chopped pecans – 2 cups

Useful Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Parchment paper
• Whisk and spatula

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until crumbly. Press the dough evenly into the pan.

Step 2: Bake the crust

Bake for about 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Make the filling

In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake again for 25–30 minutes until the filling is set and golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and cut

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. For clean slices, chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Soggy crust – pre-baked it longer for firmness.
• Overly sweet bars – used less corn syrup for better balance.
• Uneven texture – chopped the pecans more uniformly.
• Bars stuck to the pan – lined with parchment for easy removal.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
• Use whole-wheat flour for the crust to add fiber.
• Replace part of the butter with coconut oil for a lighter fat profile.
• Reduce sugar by ¼ cup without losing flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• Use walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t available.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Try dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Add a touch of bourbon or vanilla bean paste for richness.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Crumble over yogurt or oatmeal for a breakfast twist.
• Use as a pie crust base in parfaits or trifles.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Success

• Cool completely before slicing – ensures clean edges.
• Use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding for a deeper flavor.
• Don’t overbake – the filling sets as it cools.
• Line the pan – prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• Chocolate drizzle bars – add melted dark chocolate on top.
• Salted caramel pecan bars – sprinkle flaky sea salt after baking.
• Pumpkin pecan bars – mix pumpkin puree into the filling.
• Coconut pecan bars – add shredded coconut for extra texture.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars

• Room temperature – up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator – keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
• Freezer – wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Microwave – 10–15 seconds per bar for a warm, gooey texture.
• Oven – reheat at 300°F for 5–6 minutes to revive freshness.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~310
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 90mg

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FAQs

Where did pecan pie bars originate?

Pecan pie bars originated in the Southern United States, where pecans are a staple ingredient in traditional desserts. They were created as a convenient, handheld version of the classic pecan pie, offering the same buttery crust and caramel-like pecan filling in an easy-to-serve form.

Why are my pecan pie bars runny?

Pecan pie bars can turn runny if the filling is underbaked or if there’s too much liquid. Bake until the center is set and slightly firm to the touch. Let the bars cool completely before cutting — this allows the filling to thicken and hold its shape.

How do I keep pecan pie bars from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Also, lightly grease the paper before adding the crust to ensure smooth removal after baking.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two before serving, cool completely, and store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The flavors even deepen as they sit.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Bars Recipe delivers all the nostalgic sweetness of traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-serve format. They’re buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of chewy — making them a must-have treat for any dessert table or family gathering. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion.