Looking for a decadent dessert that's sure to impress your friends and family? These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a luxurious twist on a classic pecan pie. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, a rich and nutty brown butter filling, and a crunchy pecan topping, each bite is pure bliss. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making a dessert that's perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. Stick with us, and you'll have a show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
What are Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful dessert featuring layers of a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet, nutty filling, and toasted pecans. What sets these bars apart from traditional pecan pie is the addition of browned butter, which gives the filling a rich, caramel-like flavor. Brown butter is made by cooking unsalted butter until the milk solids turn golden brown, imparting a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the entire dessert. The result? A sweet treat that combines the best of pecan pie and buttery shortbread into a hand-held, bar-shaped delight.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Butter Pecan Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for browning)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Substitutions and Variations
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If you don’t have either on hand, you can substitute corn syrup or golden syrup for a similar consistency and sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- Dark Brown Sugar vs. Light Brown Sugar: Both types of sugar will work, but dark brown sugar will yield a deeper molasses flavor.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to make the filling egg-free.
Recipe Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a gooey, chocolatey surprise in each bite.
- Coconut Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the pecan mixture for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Pecan Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it's lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Brown Butter
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the ½ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, continue cooking the butter, stirring frequently. It will foam up and then subside.
- Watch closely as the butter begins to brown; you'll see brown bits form at the bottom of the pan, and it will develop a nutty aroma.
- Once the butter is golden brown (but not burnt), remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Slowly pour in the slightly cooled brown butter while whisking, ensuring that the butter is fully incorporated and doesn't cook the eggs.
- Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they're evenly distributed in the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the brown butter pecan filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
- Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles.
How to Cook Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Make the shortbread crust by creaming butter and sugar, mixing in flour and salt, and pressing it into the pan. Bake the crust until golden.
- Step 2: Brown the butter by melting it over medium heat, watching for golden brown flecks and a nutty aroma.
- Step 3: Mix the filling by combining brown sugar, eggs, honey, and vanilla, then slowly adding in the browned butter. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Step 4: Pour the filling over the baked crust, bake until set, then cool and cut into bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the Crust: If you bake the shortbread crust for too long, it can become too hard, which makes it difficult to cut and eat. Stick to the baking times provided.
- Not Browning the Butter Properly: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. Burnt butter will give your bars a bitter taste, while undercooked butter won’t develop that rich, nutty flavor.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: It may be tempting to cut into the bars while they’re still warm, but letting them cool completely allows the filling to set properly, ensuring neat and even slices.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars, presentation matters. These bars are visually stunning with their golden-brown filling and toasted pecan topping. Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
- Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, where the flavors of the brown butter and pecans can shine.
- With Ice Cream: Serve each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.
- As a Holiday Dessert: These bars make a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table, offering a portable and easy-to-eat alternative to traditional pecan pie.
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
- Platter Display: Arrange the bars neatly on a rustic wooden cutting board or elegant platter for a casual-yet-stylish presentation.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the tops of the bars with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar right before serving.
- Add a Drizzle: For a professional-looking finish, drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chop Pecans Evenly: To ensure each bite is balanced with pecan goodness, try to chop the pecans uniformly.
- Line the Pan with Parchment: Don’t skip this step! Lining the pan with parchment paper will make it much easier to lift the bars out and slice them cleanly.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them a convenient option for busy holiday prep. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped pecans?
A: You can, but chopped pecans provide a more even distribution of nuts throughout the filling. Whole pecans may make the bars harder to slice.
Q: What can I substitute for brown sugar?
A: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on a classic dessert, combining the rich flavors of brown butter and toasted pecans with a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays, and are easy to make ahead. Whether you serve them with a drizzle of caramel, a dusting of powdered sugar, or just as they are, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and buttery goodness in every bite!
PrintBrown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat with a rich nutty flavor. The browned butter enhances the classic pecan filling, making it irresistible. Made with a buttery shortbread crust, these bars are easy to prepare and a great dessert option for holidays. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (for browning)
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Pecans (chopped)
- Corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Brown the butter in a saucepan and set it aside to cool.
- Make the shortbread crust by mixing butter, flour, and sugar. Press it into the pan and bake.
- Whisk the browned butter with eggs, vanilla, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust and bake until set.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Let the brown butter cool slightly before adding to the filling to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
Leave a Reply