Southern Pecan Pie Bars: A Flavor Explosion
I first tasted something close to these Southern Pecan Pie Bars at a little bakery in Savannah, Georgia. It was good, yeah, but it was MISSING something. It needed that Cuba Queen BAM! That unapologetic, down-to-earth, makes-you-wanna-slap-yo-mama-it’s-so-good kinda flavor.
So, of course, I did what any self-respecting flavor adventurer would do: I took that memory and ran with it. I spent weeks testing, tweaking, and straight-up obsessing until I created the perfect Southern Pecan Pie Bars.
The breakthrough? A hint of bourbon. OH. MY. GOODNESS. That little splash of heaven took these Southern Pecan Pie Bars from good to legendary.
These aren’t your grandma’s delicate little pecan squares. Nope. These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are bold, decadent, and ready to party. They’re the kinda dessert that makes you wanna dance!
This recipe embodies everything Cuba Queen is about: big flavors, no-nonsense techniques, and a whole lotta love. And now, I’m bursting to share my Southern Pecan Pie Bars recipe with you! Get ready to create some serious magic in your kitchen. My family thinks this Southern Pecan Pie Bars recipe reminds them of pecan pie cheesecake bars!
Ingredients You Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for our buttery crust.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is KEY for a flaky crust.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together. Don’t overdo it!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: The foundation of our gooey pecan filling.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For extra sweetness and a bit of texture.
- 4 large eggs: Binds the filling together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer.
- ¼ cup bourbon (optional, but HIGHLY recommended): The secret ingredient that takes these Southern Pecan Pie Bars to the next level.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
- 3 cups pecan halves: The star of the show! Use good quality pecans for the best flavor.
This Southern Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! The secret to epic Southern Pecan Pie Bars is using high-quality pecans – it makes ALL the difference. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for gooey pecan pie bars!
You’ll find the best pecans for these Southern Pecan Pie Bars at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store. Splurge on the bourbon – trust me, it’s worth it! I like to use a good Kentucky bourbon that has some spice.
Don’t have bourbon? No problem! You can substitute with 1 tablespoon of rum extract for an extra bit of flavor.
The game-changer that will blow your mind? Toasting the pecans slightly before adding them to the filling. It intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, let’s make the crust! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Here’s where most people mess up their Southern Pecan Pie Bars – but not you! Make sure that butter is COLD!
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! We want a tender crust, not a tough one. This is where your Southern Pecan Pie Bars journey begins!
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. While the crust is baking, let’s get started on the filling! Don’t stress – your Southern Pecan Pie Bars are going to be incredible.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and salt. This is where your Southern Pecan Pie Bars transforms into pure magic!
- Stir in the pecan halves. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Your Southern Pecan Pie Bars should look rich and golden and smell intoxicating! The middle should be set, with just a slight jiggle.
- Let the Southern Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial! If you cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be too gooey. While your Southern Pecan Pie Bars is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
Pro tip for Southern Pecan Pie Bars perfection: Let them cool completely, then chill them in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting. This makes them easier to cut and even more decadent.
Presentation
Time to show off those Southern Pecan Pie Bars! Cut them into squares or bars of your desired size. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at your next potluck, holiday gathering, or even just as a special treat for yourself. They absolutely slay at dinner parties!
Pair these Southern Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess is the perfect complement to the warm, gooey filling. If you are in the Fort Worth area, check out what others are cooking at Best Pecan Pie in Texas with Shortbread Crust.
For a bold pairing, try serving them with a strong cup of Cuban coffee. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the bars, creating a flavor explosion. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Southern Pecan Pie Bars at Thanksgiving!
Got leftovers? (If you do, you’re stronger than I am!) Crumble them over ice cream or use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Waste not, want not!
For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling in the fall. In the summer, you could top them with fresh berries.
FAQs
Can I make these Southern Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors meld together even more as they sit. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Southern Pecan Pie Bars recipe is great for meal prep!
What if I don’t have bourbon?
No problem! You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of rum extract or simply omit it altogether. The Southern Pecan Pie Bars will still be delicious, just without that extra layer of flavor.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While pecans are the star of the show, you could experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. But trust me, stick with the pecans for the ultimate Southern Pecan Pie Bars experience!
How do I know when my Southern Pecan Pie Bars is perfectly done?
The filling should be set and the crust should be golden brown. The middle should be set with a slight jiggle. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil. These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are foolproof! If you want to try other variations, check out Pecan Pie Bars With an Easy Press-in Crust and No Corn Syrup ….
Can I make these Southern Pecan Pie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking.
Can I freeze these Southern Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. I’ve never had them last that long!
Can I make this Southern Pecan Pie Bars spicier?
Oh, you know me so well! If you want to add a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. Or, for a more subtle heat, you could use a spicy bourbon. Now *that’s* a Southern Pecan Pie Bars twist!
Conclusion
These Southern Pecan Pie Bars represent everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic indulgence, and the joy of sharing good food with the people you love.
My Southern Pecan Pie Bars Power Tips:
- Use cold butter for the crust: This is crucial for a flaky, tender crust.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans intensifies their flavor and adds a delicious crunch.
Here are a few Southern Pecan Pie Bars variations I’ve created and loved:
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for an extra touch of decadence.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after baking for a sweet and salty treat.
- Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Combine the chocolate chip and bourbon variations for the ultimate flavor explosion. You can find inspiration at Warning: these bourbon pecan pie bars do not taste sugar-free. I ….
The Bourbon Chocolate Southern Pecan Pie Bars gets the biggest reactions every single time!
I’m confident that you can make these Southern Pecan Pie Bars and knock everyone’s socks off. Get ready to create some flavor memories that will last a lifetime.Make these Southern Pecan Pie Bars your signature dish and share the results! Tag me on social media so I can see your creations! And for more nutty goodness, check out my other recipes. For even easier baking, try these Southern Pecan Pie Bars.
Go forth and create some Southern Pecan Pie Bars magic! You got this! 🔥✨🌮
Southern Pecan Pie Bars
These Southern Pecan Pie Bars offer the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-eat bar form. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
Serve these pecan pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.