Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of brown butter pecan pie bars. These delightful treats combine a buttery crust with a luscious pecan filling, making them perfect for any occasion. The browned butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates this classic dessert to new heights.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to be aware of a few ingredients that are not always found in every pantry. Corn syrup is a key component for the filling, providing the necessary sweetness and texture. Additionally, unsalted butter is used in both the crust and the filling, so make sure you have enough on hand. Lastly, pecans are essential for this recipe, and you’ll need them chopped for the filling.
Ingredients For Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
Melted unsalted butter: Used to create a rich and flavorful crust.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crust.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to both the crust and filling.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
Browned unsalted butter: Adds a nutty, caramelized flavor to the filling.
Corn syrup: Provides sweetness and helps to set the filling.
Beaten large eggs: Bind the filling together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Chopped pecans: The star ingredient, providing crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When browning butter, keep a close eye on it as it can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly. Use a light-colored saucepan to better monitor the color change. Once you notice a golden brown hue and a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking. This will ensure your pecan pie bars have a rich, deep flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
melted unsalted butter - Substitute with melted coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, making it a good alternative for butter in baking.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the bars slightly denser.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be packed in the same way as brown sugar.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral profile.
browned unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor similar to browned butter and is also clarified, making it a good substitute.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a different but complementary sweetness and can be used in a slightly reduced quantity to maintain texture.
corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar viscosity and sweetness, though it will add a distinct flavor.
beaten large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a vegan alternative, though the texture may be slightly different.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that complements pecans well.
chopped pecans - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and slightly different flavor, making them a good alternative to pecans.
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How To Store / Freeze These Bars
Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures the filling sets properly and makes them easier to handle.
Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired size. Use a sharp knife to get clean edges and avoid crumbling.
For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate, the bars can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab a single serving.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
The bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
For a quick thaw, you can microwave the bars on a low setting for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overheat and alter the texture.
If you prefer a warm treat, reheat the thawed bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive the buttery crust and nutty filling.
Always ensure the bars are stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their delicious flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brown butter pecan pie bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crust's crispiness and the filling's gooey texture.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time in 10-second increments if needed. Be cautious not to overheat, as the pecans can become too soft.
If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a piece of aluminum foil or directly on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy edge.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Place the bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is ideal for a quick reheat while maintaining a good texture.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through. This method gives a nice crisp to the crust while keeping the filling warm and gooey.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to preheat and bake the crust and filling to the desired golden brown and set texture.
Baking pan: A 9x13 inch pan is used to hold the crust and filling, ensuring even baking.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like the crust mixture and the filling.
Saucepan: Used to brown the butter over medium heat, giving it a nutty aroma and golden color.
Spatula: Handy for mixing ingredients and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out precise amounts of ingredients like flour, sugar, and corn syrup.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like salt and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs and mixing the filling ingredients thoroughly.
Knife: Needed for chopping the pecans into smaller pieces.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely after baking, ensuring they set properly before cutting.
Grease spray or brush: Used to grease the baking pan to prevent sticking.
How to Save Time on Making These Bars
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the crust ingredients using a food processor to save time on mixing.
Brown butter in advance: Brown the butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge to cut down on preparation time.
Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
Cool quickly: Place the baked bars in the fridge to cool faster, so you can cut and serve them sooner.
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter browned
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a saucepan, brown the butter over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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