Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistibly rich, then you’re in for a treat with my Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars bring together the gooey sweetness of pecan pie with luscious chocolate chips nestled in every bite. Once you try them, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for this crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, I picked ingredients that balance sweetness, texture, and flavor perfectly. You’ll want fresh pecans for crunch and good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips so the chocolate really shines through.

• All purpose flour: The base for the crust, giving it structure without being too dense.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and a hint of molasses flavor to the crust.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Critical for a tender, crumbly crust and rich filling—make sure it’s softened to blend well.
• Large eggs: They act as a binder and help set the filling perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering.
• Light corn syrup: Creates that signature sticky, chewy pecan pie texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
• Chopped pecans: Toast them lightly for extra flavor before folding in if you want to elevate the nuttiness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient making this pie extra indulgent.

Variations

I love how versatile this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks to suit different moods and dietary needs—and you should feel free to make it your own too!

• Nut-Free Version: I swapped pecans for roasted pumpkin seeds once for a nut-free treat, and the texture was still great with a bit of a twist.
• Different Chocolate: Using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet gives a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, which some of my chocolate-loving friends prefer.
• Maple Syrup Swap: If you’re out of corn syrup, try pure maple syrup; it adds a subtle, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with pecans.
• Add Spices: Cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg in the filling can add a cozy fall vibe—my family really enjoyed this variation around the holidays.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is crucial so your crust bakes evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or butter, then set it aside while you mix your crust ingredients. This way, you’ll avoid any sticking and get perfectly clean edges on your bars.

Step 2: Make and Bake the Crust

Combine the all purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter in a bowl. I like to use an electric mixer here—beat it until the mixture looks crumbly and well combined. Then press this mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared pan. A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup works wonders for compacting the crust. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This pre-baking step ensures your crust isn’t soggy once the filling is added.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Filling

While the crust is in the oven, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and melted butter together in another bowl. The light corn syrup keeps the filling sticky and glossy. Once your wet ingredients are well combined, gently fold in the chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—the chocolate softens in the warm crust and pecans add that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Bars

Pour your filling mixture on top of the warm crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely toward the end— the filling should be set, not jiggly, with a slight golden edge. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean but may have a few sticky crumbs.

Step 5: Cool Completely Before Cutting

This next step is key! Let the chocolate pecan pie bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. I learned this the hard way—cutting too soon means the filling oozes everywhere. Patience pays off here, leaving you with neat squares full of chocolate and pecan goodness.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch. For a decadent finish, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never fails to impress. Trust me, that ice cream melt blends so well with the warm chocolate and pecan flavors!

Side Dishes

Since these bars are naturally indulgent, I like to serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a tangy citrus sorbet to cut through the sweetness. A rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements these bars wonderfully too—perfect for cozy afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange these bars on a festive platter, sprinkled with extra chopped pecans and edible gold dust (yes, I like to get fancy sometimes). They also make cute gifts—wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with ribbon for an easy homemade gift that always gets rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen feels warm, I recommend refrigerating them to keep the filling firm. They maintain their flavor beautifully, and I’ve found the texture improves slightly after a day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

Freezing these bars works well too! I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge—this method keeps them moist and delicious.

Reheating

If you want warm bars, reheating individually in the microwave for 20-30 seconds is perfect. For a crispier top, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Just don’t overdo it or the filling may firm up too much and lose that wonderful gooey texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is one of those treasures I always come back to—easy enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough for special occasions. I love sharing it with friends who tell me it quickly becomes their new favorite too. The combination of chocolate and pecans is timeless, and these bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. I promise, once you make these, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.

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