Pecan Pie Bars are chewy, nutty and easy to make with a yellow cake mix. This is a great semi-homemade dessert that can be whipped up in a pinch!
This recipe for pecan pie bars is a great option for parties, holiday dinners or anytime you're craving a bite of pecan pie. These bars are easy to make and travel well.
Pecan pie bar ingredients
- Yellow cake mix: Any boxed yellow cake mix will work.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted.
- Eggs: Used in both the bottom layer and pecan topping.
- Corn syrup and brown sugar: Light or dark can be used.
- Vanilla extract: Helps bring out the richness in the dessert.
- Pecans: The pecans can be chopped or left whole.
How to make pecan pie bars with a cake mix
Bottom layer crust. You'll want to make the crust first by mixing the cake mix with one egg and a stick of melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 9" x 13" baking dish. Pop it into a 350°F oven for 20 minutes, take it out and set it aside.
Pecan Pie Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Pour this over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Cool. Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the outside edges to help loosen from the baking dish. (It will be sticky.) Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
How to store
- To Store: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and insert into a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 3 months.
Easy semi-homemade dessert recipes
There's nothing wrong with semi-homemade desserts, especially if you are looking for something super quick and easy to bake. Be prepared for company with one of these easy recipes.
Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Bottom Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1 stick butter (melted)
Pecan Pie Topping
- 1.5 cups light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9" x 13" baking dish.
- Bottom cake layer: Mix the melted butter, cake mix and egg together. Press the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while you make the topping.
- Pecan topping: Mix the topping ingredients together thoroughly and pour over the crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the outside edges to help loosen from the baking dish. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- To Store: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and insert into a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 3 months.
Amy in Louisiana says
Delicious! Better than a local baker that makes them.
Starting a new tradition made these for Christmas treats for neighbors. They loved them!