This vintage pecan bar recipe has been around as long as I can remember. I’ve seen it called Southern Pecan Bars too. But it is a twist on a classic pecan pie recipe and you’re going to love it.
This is a fantastic addition to your holiday menus; great for Thanksgiving or Christmas! I love having classic recipes at every holiday and this pecan bar recipe fits the bill.
Pecan Bar Recipe
If you love classic or vintage recipes like this be sure to check out these as well! A huge collection of vintage dessert recipes.
Is it just like pecan pie?
The bars have a similar taste but the texture is very different; pecan pie bars! I actually prefer pecan bars over the pie.
Are pecans good for you?
Pecans are a great source of fiber, are rich with antioxidants and contain monounsaturated fats. So they definitely have some health benefits. BUT I would not call this a healthy recipe…
Can I make this chocolate pecan bars?
Yes! Add 1 cup of bitter or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling before you pour it over the crust. BOOM! You have a whole new pecan bar recipe to use!
Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
Sure! But this pecan bar recipe has a 3 ingredient crust that is simple and easy to make.
What size pan do I need for this pecan bar recipe?
I recommend a 9 x 13 pan for the best results. You can use a glass casserole dish or a metal baking dish. Personally I prefer the metal baking pan but they’ll both work.
Vintage Pecan Bar Recipe Ingredients and Steps
Pecan Bar Crust Ingredients
A delicious buttery shortbread crust.
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
Pecan Bar Crust Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare your 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray or butter
Cream butter and sugar.
Add in flour and mix well.
Press dough by hand into prepared 9×13 dish.
Poke a few holes along the crust.
Pecan Bar Filling Ingredients
A sweet and yummy pecan filling.
3/4 cup brown sugar
5 Tablespoons butter
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Pecan Bar Recipe Filling Directions
Place butter, corn syrup, salt, and brown sugar into small pot.
Turn heat on medium.
Slowly bring to a boil (stirring to prevent burning).
Let boil for one minute.
Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla extract.
Let cool for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes mix in eggs.
Pour onto crust.
Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes – filling is set and top is golden brown.
The Best Vintage Pecan Bar Recipe
Ingredients
For Pecan Bar Crust
- 1 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
For Pecan Bar Filling
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 5 Tbl Butter
- 1 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 3 large Eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Chopped Pecans
Instructions
For Pecan Bar Crust
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-
Prepare your 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray or butter.
-
Cream butter and sugar.
-
Add in flour and mix well.
-
Press dough by hand into prepared 9×13 dish.
-
Poke a few holes along the crust.
For Pecan Bar Filling
-
Place butter, corn syrup, salt, and brown sugar into small pot.
-
Turn heat on medium.
-
Slowly bring to a boil (stirring to prevent burning).
-
Let boil for one minute.
-
Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla extract.
-
Let cool for 5 minutes.
-
After 5 minutes mix in eggs.
-
Pour onto crust.
-
Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
This simple and easy to make pecan recipe is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. You can make it the day ahead and it will be a welcomed addition to your dessert buffet. You might find people skip the traditional pumpkin pie for a square of this pecan pie bar!
What is your favorite fall dessert? Are you a pecan or pumpkin fan? My family loves both AND Grandma’s Buttermilk Pie is a family must.
