Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the nutty flavor of pecan pie with the rich depth of brown butter? These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat! With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling, and the irresistible taste of brown butter, these bars are an elegant twist on the classic pecan pie. Whether for Thanksgiving, a holiday party, or any occasion, these bars are sure to impress. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations!

What are “Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars”?

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a decadent dessert made with a shortbread crust, a rich brown butter-pecan filling, and baked to perfection in bar form. They’re a simplified version of the traditional pecan pie but offer the same buttery, caramelized flavor in every bite. The brown butter adds a nutty, toasty depth that elevates the filling, while the shortbread base keeps the bars crisp and sturdy. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time!

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brown Butter Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your needs:

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter for both the crust and filling to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Sweeteners: Swap maple syrup for honey or dark corn syrup for a slightly different sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated or brown sugar.
• Add Chocolate: Fold ½ cup of dark chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolate-pecan twist.
• Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Brown the Butter for the Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 cup of butter over medium heat.
   • Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter begins to foam and turns a deep amber color with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
   • Remove from heat and allow the brown butter to cool slightly while you prepare the remaining filling ingredients.
4. Prepare the Pecan Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
   • Slowly whisk in the slightly cooled brown butter until fully incorporated.
   • Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. Assemble the Bars:
   • Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust.
   • Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly and ensure the pecans are distributed evenly across the pan.
6. Bake:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
   • The bars will still jiggle slightly in the center when done, but they will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool Completely:
   • Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
   • For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the bars for about 1 hour before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the Filling: The pecan filling should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. Overbaking can cause the filling to become too firm and lose its gooey texture.
• Skipping the Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor to these bars, making them extra special. Don’t skip this step!
• Cutting Too Early: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cutting while the filling is warm will cause the bars to be too gooey and difficult to slice neatly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Serve these bars at room temperature for the perfect texture.
• For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• These bars are also delicious slightly chilled if you prefer a firmer texture.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Drizzle with Chocolate: After the bars have cooled, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for a luxurious finish.
• Top with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweetness and bring out the nutty flavors.
• Holiday Touch: Serve the bars on a decorative platter with extra whole pecans and a few sprigs of rosemary for a festive holiday look.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
• Make Ahead: You can make these bars up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving, or serve them chilled for a firmer texture.
• Chop the Pecans Evenly: Make sure the pecans are chopped evenly so that they distribute nicely throughout the filling and don’t create uneven bars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can! Dark brown sugar will add a deeper molasses flavor to the bars, which pairs beautifully with the pecans and brown butter.

Q: Can I make these bars without browning the butter?
A: While you can skip browning the butter, it’s highly recommended for the best flavor. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty complexity to the filling that takes these bars to the next level.

Q: Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped pecans?
A: You can use whole pecans if you prefer larger pieces in your bars. However, chopped pecans will ensure a more even distribution in the filling.

Q: How do I know when the filling is set?
A: The filling will still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven, but the surface should be golden and firm to the touch. The bars will continue to set as they cool.

Q: What other types of nuts can I use in this recipe?
A: While pecans are traditional, you can also use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor. You can also mix a few types of nuts together for a more complex taste!

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious, decadent twist on the classic pecan pie, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. With their buttery shortbread base and rich, nutty filling, they are the ultimate indulgent dessert. The addition of brown butter takes these bars to a whole new level, adding a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Make them ahead, freeze them for later, or serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream—no matter how you enjoy them, these bars are sure to impress! Happy baking!

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