Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecans and the comforting, toasty aroma of brown butter, then you're in for a treat! Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. These bars take the classic pecan pie to a whole new level by introducing the deep, caramel-like flavor of brown butter into the mix. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to making these mouthwatering bars, along with tips on how to avoid common mistakes, serve them beautifully, and store them properly for maximum freshness.

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What are Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a variation of the traditional pecan pie, but they’re made in a bar form, perfect for easy serving and sharing. The key difference here is the incorporation of brown butter into the crust and filling, giving the bars an extra layer of nutty depth. The bars consist of three layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey pecan pie filling, and toasted pecans on top. Each bite is a balance of crispy, chewy, sweet, and savory, with the brown butter adding a rich complexity that elevates the classic pecan pie flavor.

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Ingredients List for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

To make this indulgent dessert, you’ll need a selection of ingredients for both the crust and the filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Browning this butter will bring out a nutty richness, perfect for pairing with pecans.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This will give the crust structure and a slight crispness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance out the savory notes from the browned butter.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor to the filling.
• ¾ cup corn syrup – Provides the gooey, sticky texture that's key in any pecan pie.
• ½ cup browned butter – Brown butter adds an extra layer of nuttiness and depth to the filling.
• 3 large eggs – Helps bind the filling together, giving it structure.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
• 2 cups pecan halves – The star of the dish, pecans provide the crunch and signature flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the pecans.

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Substitutions and Variations

There’s always room for customization in any recipe, and Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are no different. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Almonds or Walnuts – If you’re out of pecans or prefer a different nut, try using almonds or walnuts. They’ll still bring a nice crunch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Maple Syrup – Substitute part of the corn syrup with maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and a slight smokiness that complements the brown butter.
• Coconut – Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Option – Replace the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Chips – For an even richer treat, add chocolate chips to the filling. The combination of brown butter, pecans, and chocolate is irresistible.
• Vegan Version – Use a vegan butter substitute, such as coconut oil, and replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” to create a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let’s break down each step so you can follow along and create the perfect Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars.

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Brown the Butter – In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This process will take around 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Mix the Dough – In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour the browned butter into the dry ingredients and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press into the Pan – Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to flatten it. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Brown the Butter (Again) – You’ll need more browned butter for the filling. Repeat the browning process with ½ cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Filling – In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly pour in the browned butter, whisking continuously until fully combined.
3. Add Pecans – Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Filling Over Crust – Once your crust has cooled slightly, pour the filling mixture evenly over the top. Make sure the pecans are spread out in an even layer.
2. Bake – Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can test for doneness by gently shaking the pan—if the filling doesn’t jiggle, it’s ready!
3. Cool Completely – Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This can take a couple of hours, but you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

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

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Brown the butter for the crust and let cool.
4. Mix and press the crust into the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Brown the butter for the filling, then whisk together the filling ingredients.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes.
7. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Parchment Paper – Don’t forget to line your baking pan! This makes removing the bars much easier and prevents sticking.
• Not Browning the Butter Properly – Make sure you don’t burn the butter. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color and nutty aroma. Keep an eye on it as it can go from browned to burnt quickly.
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon – It’s tempting to cut into them right away, but allowing the bars to cool completely will ensure they hold together when sliced.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for both casual and formal gatherings. You can elevate their presentation with a few easy touches:

How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars:

• Room Temperature – These bars taste best when served at room temperature.
• With Ice Cream – Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the dense filling.

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Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Drizzle of Caramel Sauce – A light drizzle of caramel sauce over each bar before serving gives it a professional, polished look.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar – For a more understated presentation, lightly dust powdered sugar over the top.
• Garnish with Extra Pecans – Press a few extra pecan halves on top of each bar for a decorative touch.

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Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead – You can prepare these bars up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing – These bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid overly salty bars.

Q: Can I make these without corn syrup?
A: Yes, you can substitute maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup, but the texture may be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftover bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

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Conclusion

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavors of browned butter and pecans. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these bars are easy to make, impressive to serve, and irresistible to eat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today, and let the compliments roll in!

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