Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars: A Buttery Bite of Fall Bliss
First, let me just say—thank you. Thank you for being here, for exploring homemade joy with me, and for sharing in the cozy, buttery world of baked treats. This recipe? It’s a love letter to fall, family gatherings, and everything comforting. It’s also a sweet shortcut for pecan pie lovers who want all that gooey, nutty goodness without the fuss of rolling pie dough.
These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are rich, sticky-sweet, and anything but boring!! Imagine the buttery shortbread crust melting under a luscious, caramelized pecan topping—yes, they’re just as indulgent as they sound.
👉 Want the full recipe sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe below and never miss a treat!
Why You'll Fall in Love with These Bars
Pecan pie bars are essentially the best parts of the pie—crunchy tops, gooey middles, and buttery bottoms—but in a handheld, no-fork-needed form.
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
-
No pie crust needed – We use a melt-in-your-mouth brown butter shortbread base.
-
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping the night before a party.
-
Freezer friendly – Store and savor whenever that sweet craving hits.
What Do They Taste Like?
Think warm caramel meets toasted pecans on a rich, crumbly cookie crust. They're buttery, nutty, and sweet, with just the right hint of salt to balance it all out. The brown butter adds a nutty, toffee-like depth that takes these from good to oh-my-gosh-I-need-another.
Benefits of Making These Pecan Pie Bars
-
No special baking skills required—this is beginner-friendly!
-
Easier cleanup (no pie pans, no rolling pins).
-
Ideal for potlucks, holiday dessert tables, or cozy nights in.
-
They slice beautifully for gift boxes or cookie trays.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Crust:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, browned
-
2/3 cup granulated sugar
-
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 tsp salt
For the Pecan Filling:
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter
-
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
-
1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
-
2 tbsp heavy cream
-
2 large eggs
-
2 cups pecan halves
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/4 tsp salt
Tools You’ll Need
-
9x13 baking pan
-
Parchment paper
-
Saucepan (for browning butter)
-
Mixing bowls
-
Whisk
-
Rubber spatula
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
-
Honey vs. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a deeper flavor. Use whichever you have!
-
Add Chocolate Chips to the pecan layer for an extra indulgent bite.
-
No pecans? Walnuts or almonds work too, though pecans bring the classic flavor.
-
Want gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the crust.
How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over medium heat. Keep cooking until golden brown and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the browned butter with sugar, flour, and salt. Press into a lined 9x13 pan and bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
Melt the second 1/2 cup of butter. Stir in brown sugar, honey, and cream. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, vanilla, and salt.
Step 4: Add Pecans
Fold in pecan halves. Pour mixture over the warm crust.
Step 5: Bake Again
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until set and golden on top. Let cool completely before slicing—resist the urge to dig in early!
What to Serve With Pecan Bars
-
A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai.
-
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
-
A drizzle of melted dark chocolate if you’re feeling extra.
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
-
Let them cool completely before slicing—this helps the filling set.
-
Line the pan with parchment for easy lift-out.
-
Toast your pecans beforehand for extra nuttiness!
-
Want cleaner slices? Chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
How to Store & Freeze
-
Room Temp: In an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Fridge: Keeps for 7–10 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm slightly in the microwave.
General Info at a Glance
-
Prep Time: 20 mins
-
Bake Time: 50 mins
-
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
-
Servings: 24 bars
-
Skill Level: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Not for this recipe—it needs the shortbread base to hold up the gooey filling.
Are these super sweet?
They are rich and sweet like classic pecan pie, but the brown butter and salt balance it beautifully.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely! These are even better the next day.
In Conclusion
These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are pure bliss in every bite—easy to make, easier to love, and guaranteed to become a holiday favorite. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving, a cookie swap, or just because it’s Tuesday, they always bring comfort and a bit of “wow.”
✨ Want more easy bar recipes? Check out my Brown Sugar Peach Crumble Bars or Salted Caramel Apple Blondies!
Let’s Bake Together!
Have you made these bars? I’d LOVE to hear how they turned out!
👉 Leave a review below or tag me on Pinterest with your gorgeous creations.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 1 Bar)
-
Calories: ~260
-
Fat: 18g
-
Carbs: 22g
-
Sugar: 15g
-
Protein: 3g