Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of pecan pie, you're going to fall in love with these Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars. These decadent bars take everything you love about classic pecan pie—sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans—and elevate it with the deep, nutty flavor of brown butter. They’re the perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent. These bars offer all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie but in a handheld, easy-to-serve form.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to making these heavenly bars, as well as some pro tips and ideas for customizing the recipe to suit your taste!

this Recipe

What Are Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a portable version of pecan pie, featuring a shortbread crust topped with a gooey brown butter and pecan filling. The base is a buttery shortbread that adds a crisp and firm texture, while the filling is made with browned butter, brown sugar, and pecans for a rich and nutty flavor. The bars are baked until the filling is perfectly set, with the pecans adding a delicious crunch to every bite.

Brown butter, created by cooking butter until it turns a rich golden-brown, adds a deeper, more complex flavor to the filling, making these bars extra special.

Ingredients List for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Brown Butter Pecan Filling:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (to brown)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey (for an extra-rich filling)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups chopped pecans
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm, spiced note)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very flexible, and you can easily tweak it to suit your needs or preferences:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour in the crust.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
3. Mixed Nuts: While pecans are classic, you could swap some of the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for added variety.
4. Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a delicious, boozy twist.
5. Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-pecan combo that takes the bars to the next level.
6. Honey or Maple Syrup: Use honey instead of maple syrup for a richer sweetness, or replace it entirely with more brown sugar if you prefer a more classic pecan pie flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars. Be sure to follow each step carefully for the perfect combination of textures and flavors.

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. The dough will be crumbly, but that’s okay.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out evenly.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

3. Brown the Butter for the Filling

• In a medium saucepan, melt the ¾ cup of butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter starts to foam and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
• Watch carefully to prevent burning. Once browned, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Pecan Filling

• In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and slightly cooled brown butter until smooth.
• Add the maple syrup (or honey), heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and salt, and whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
• Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

5. Pour the Filling Over the Crust

• Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked shortbread crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

6. Bake the Bars

• Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center when gently shaken. The edges should be golden and slightly puffed.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7. Cut and Serve

• Once the bars are fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

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

Baking these bars is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key tips to ensure the best results:

1. Brown Butter Watch: Browning the butter adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but it can go from brown to burnt quickly. Keep stirring and watching closely.
2. Press the Crust Firmly: When pressing the shortbread dough into the pan, make sure it’s evenly distributed and firmly packed. This will create a sturdy base that can support the filling.
3. Don’t Overbake: The filling will continue to set as the bars cool, so don’t wait until it’s fully solid in the oven. A slight jiggle in the center is fine; it will firm up as it cools.
4. Cool Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before slicing, as this will make them easier to cut and prevent the filling from spilling out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars:

1. Burning the Butter: When browning butter, it can go from golden and nutty to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on it and stir constantly.
2. Skipping the Pre-Bake for the Crust: Don’t forget to pre-bake the shortbread crust. This step ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy under the filling.
3. Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Cutting while they’re still warm can cause the filling to ooze and make the bars difficult to handle.
4. Uneven Crust: Ensure the crust is evenly spread and firmly pressed into the pan, or you’ll have uneven bars with some areas thicker than others.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These bars are so rich and flavorful that they don’t need much, but a few finishing touches can elevate their presentation.

1. Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a special treat, serve the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For extra indulgence, drizzle the bars with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce just before serving.
3. Garnish with Whole Pecans: If you want to make these bars look extra polished, place a whole pecan on top of each bar after cutting for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can enhance their flavor by pairing them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. They’re perfect for holiday dessert tables, and since they’re portable, they make a great option for potlucks, bake sales, or picnics.

Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

1. Holiday Dessert Tray: Arrange the bars on a festive holiday tray, perhaps garnished with a few whole pecans scattered around for decoration.
2. Gift-Wrapped Bars: If gifting these bars, individually wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon or twine for a homemade, rustic feel.
3. Mini Bars for Parties: For a party, consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a tiered cake stand.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few more tips to ensure your bars come out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor and crunch, make sure your pecans are fresh and not rancid. Pecans that have been sitting in the pantry too long can develop a stale or bitter taste.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?
A: Yes! These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q: Can I make these bars without browning the butter?
A: Yes, you can skip the browning step and just melt the butter instead, but browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that really enhances the bars.

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Absolutely. Dark brown sugar will give the bars a richer, more molasses-like flavor, which works beautifully with pecans.

Q: Can I make these bars in a smaller pan?
A: You can make these in a smaller pan, but keep in mind the bars will be thicker, and you may need to adjust the baking time.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines the best of pecan pie and shortbread in one decadent treat. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling and the crunch of the pecans. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress. Happy baking!

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