Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Indulge in the irresistible combination of rich, gooey chocolate and buttery pecans with these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars. A delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, these bars offer all the warm, nutty goodness you love with a buttery shortbread crust and a topping that perfectly balances sweetness and crunch. These bars are sure to become a beloved treat for any occasion!

Nothing screams cozy season like nuts! Though I have whole sections on the bloggy devoted to all of my fall recipes and all of my winter recipes, I love these Almond Brownies , Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for easy cookies in bar form with the perfect nutty flavor!

Why You'll LOVE This Recipe

Gooey and Crunchy Texture: These bars offer the best of both worlds with a gooey, caramel-like filling that's complemented by the satisfying crunch of pecans, all on top of a buttery shortbread crust.

Effortless to Make: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars provide all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the convenience of bar form. They're simpler to prepare than a full pie and create equally delicious results.

Portable: These abrs are easy to transport, making them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth on the go. Share them with friends and family, or savor them as a delightful solo treat.

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

• All Purpose Flour: Flour is the primary dry ingredient in a crust recipe. It provides structure and stability to the crust when mixed with fat (butter).
• Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and a subtle caramel-like flavor to the crust. It also contributes to the overall color of the crust, giving it a slightly golden hue.
• Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient in crust recipes, even though it's used in small amounts. It enhances the flavor of the crust because it balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the primary fat in the crust recipe and is responsible for its flavor, tenderness, and flakiness.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Filling Ingredients

• Light Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is a key ingredient in pecan pie filling. It serves as the primary sweetener and also plays a crucial role in creating the signature gooey and slightly chewy texture of pecan pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar contributes sweetness to the pie filling. It complements the corn syrup and also aids in the chewy texture!
• Eggs: 3 large eggs at room temperature serve as a binding agent in the filling. They help hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the pie as it bakes.
• Unsalted Butter: The buttery, creamy, and rich elements of this pecan pie filling are thanks to melted butter!
• Pecans: Pecans are the star of pecan pie and provide a distinct nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the filling. Use chopped pecans for best results.
• Chocolate Chips: These add richness, sweetness, and a delightful chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans and the sweet filling. They melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the pie bars.

Step by Step Process

STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13″ baking pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment or aluminum foil.

STEP 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, brown sugar, salt, and butter on medium speed until combined and crumbly.

STEP 3: Pour the dough into the prepared pan and press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until lightly browned. Set aside to cool slightly.

STEP 4: In a large bowl, whisk light corn syrup, granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, and unsalted butter together until smooth. Fold chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the mixture.

STEP 5: Pour the filling into the prepared pan on top of the crust. Ensure that the pecans and chocolate chips are evenly spread throughout the dish.

STEP 6: Bake the pan for another 25-30 minutes or until the tops of the bars look set and golden brown. Top the pan with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning in the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Tips

• Fold the chocolate chips into the filling as the final step. This prevents them from melting into the mixture while you're stirring, ensuring that you get distinct pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
• These bars actually tend to taste even better after a day or two of sitting, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more defined slices.
• To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storing

Room Temperature: If kept at room temperature in an airtight container, chocolate pecan pie bars can typically stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.

Refrigeration: When refrigerated in an airtight container, chocolate pecan pie bars can remain fresh for up to a week.

Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze chocolate pecan pie bars. Wrap individual bars or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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