Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Let me share one of my all-time favorite sweet treats with you — the Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. This dessert has all the gooey richness of pecan pie, but in a super easy, bar-friendly form that’s perfect for sharing or just sneaking bites from the pan when nobody’s looking. I absolutely love how these bars balance the nutty crunch with melty chocolate goodness, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find they disappear faster than you can say “dessert!” Keep reading, because I’ll give you all my best tips to make sure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe lies in using the right balance of nuts, chocolate, and a buttery crust that holds it all together. Here’s what you’ll want to look for when shopping and prepping:

• All Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, high-quality flour for a tender crust that holds up well without being tough.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and depth—don’t swap for white sugar here!
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance those sweet flavors and enhance nuttiness.
• Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter for the crust ensures it mixes evenly without clumps.
• Large Eggs: Make sure they’re room temperature so the filling combines smoothly.
• Granulated White Sugar: Sweetness that helps set the filling beautifully.
• Light Corn Syrup: This is key for that classic pecan pie texture; it keeps the filling gooey but set.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely warm aroma that complements both chocolate and nuts.
• Chopped Pecans: Fresh and toasty pecans are best—roast them lightly if you want an extra toasted flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The melty pockets of chocolate make this recipe truly stand out.

Variations

I love playing around with this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own and experiment—some variations can really amp up the flavor or make it fit your dietary needs better!

• Swap Nuts: I’ve replaced pecans with walnuts or even almonds when I ran out, and it still works beautifully with just a subtle flavor shift.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based butter substitute and skip the corn syrup with maple syrup for a different but still delicious twist.
• Chocolate Variety: I sometimes use chunks of dark chocolate instead of chips for a richer bite; it melts a little differently but is just as dreamy.
• Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy dimension perfect for fall baking.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Press and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking—I like using a little butter for that golden edge. Mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture forms crumbly clumps. The texture should be slightly loose but hold when pressed. Press this crumbly dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan. Don’t skimp on pressing it down well; you want a sturdy crust for the filling. Then bake it for 12-15 minutes, just until it looks set and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and melted butter. I find using a medium bowl helps in mixing everything evenly without splashing. Once smooth, fold in the chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips gently—resist the urge to overmix, or your filling might get a bit dense.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Pour the filling directly over the warm, freshly baked crust. This helps the filling set up nicely as it bakes together. Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be set but still a little wobbly in the center—overbaking can dry it out, so I usually start checking around 25 minutes. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let everything cool completely before cutting. This cooling step helps the bars hold their shape when sliced.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—some whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right touch without overpowering the rich flavors. Sometimes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns these bars into a dreamy dessert that my family can’t resist.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote that cuts through the sweetness. If I’m serving them at a brunch or casual gathering, a strong cup of coffee or even a glass of cold milk rounds out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with some whole pecans scattered around for decoration. I once even drizzled a little caramel sauce over the top for an extra special occasion, and it was a total hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend popping them in the fridge to keep the filling firm and avoid melting the chocolate.

Freezing

If I plan ahead, I slice the bars into individual portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly on the counter.

Reheating

To warm up, I microwave a bar for about 15-20 seconds or pop it in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked vibe without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is one of those desserts I always keep in my baking repertoire—it’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests. I love how the chocolate and pecans come together in a buttery crust to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you want a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s a little different from the usual, give these bars a try. I promise you’ll be hooked, and your friends will be asking for the recipe, too!

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