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Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: The Ultimate Guide


  • Author: isabil
  • Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling time
  • Yield: 12-16 bars 1x

Description

Try these Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars for a rich, nutty, and buttery dessert. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a sweet treat!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (for browning)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (optional but enhances flavor)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix together melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until a dough forms.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt ¾ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir continuously until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  2. Slowly add the cooled brown butter, whisking constantly to incorporate.
  3. Stir in the toasted pecans.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

  1. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly firm.
  3. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before slicing

Notes

Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for enhanced flavor.
Use high-quality butter for the richest brown butter taste.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
For extra chewiness, replace half of the brown sugar with dark corn syrup.
Want a hint of chocolate? Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15minutes
  • Cook Time: 35minutes