Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie with the irresistible allure of chocolate, you’re in the right place. This Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is one of my absolute favorites—it’s buttery, sweet, and absolutely decadent, yet super easy to whip up. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just craving something cozy and comforting, these bars deliver every single time. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to get them perfect on your first try!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is how crowd-pleasing the ingredients are and how easily they come together. Each one plays a key role, from the buttery crust to the gooey pecan filling with chocolate chips. Let me share a few tips so you pick the best ingredients for that perfect balance.

• All-purpose flour: This is your base, so don’t skip it. It creates a sturdy but tender crust that’s the perfect launching pad for that luscious filling.
• Brown sugar: Adds a warm molasses flavor and helps give the crust a nice little sweetness and chewiness.
• Salt: Just the right pinch here enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweet notes.
• Unsalted butter (softened and melted): Butter is where richness lives—in the crust and the filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing, and melted butter blends beautifully into the filling.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and help give the filling that custardy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly, balancing the nuts and chocolate.
• Light corn syrup: This might seem like a secret ingredient, but it keeps the filling smooth and that classic, glossy pecan pie texture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
• Chopped pecans: Toast them lightly if you can—it amps up the nutty flavor and adds a wonderful crunch.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into the filling and create swoon-worthy pockets of chocolate throughout.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few twists that have kept this dessert fresh and exciting for my family and friends. Feel free to make this your own!

• Swap the chocolate chips: I once tried dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet, and it gave a nice bittersweet edge that balanced the sweetness beautifully.
• Make it vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs to keep it allergy-friendly without losing texture.
• Add some spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling creates a lovely warmth, especially during fall and winter seasons.
• Nut variations: Pecans are classic, but walnuts or even pistachios can be fun alternatives if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Press and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray—this will make removing the bars a breeze later. Then, mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter in a bowl. I recommend using an electric mixer here to get a crumbly, sandy mixture—think coarse breadcrumbs. Once combined, press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes, or until you see the edges just starting to turn golden. This little pre-bake step is the secret to preventing a soggy bottom later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling

While the crust bakes, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and melted butter until everything is smooth and glossy. Once that’s done, gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. I like folding instead of stirring to keep the texture just right—no overmixing here!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour that gorgeous filling evenly over the warm crust, spreading it just enough to coat every corner. Return the pan to your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling looks set and doesn’t jiggle when you give the pan a gentle shake. Don’t worry if it still looks a bit soft around the edges—that’s going to solidify as it cools, which brings me to my next important tip.

Step 4: Let It Cool Completely

This is the hardest part: you’ve got to wait. Cooling completely on a wire rack helps the bars finish setting, making slicing cleaner and easier. Cutting into warm bars will cause them to crumble or ooze, so patience here really pays off. If you want, pop the pan in the fridge for a bit to speed things up, but I usually just let it cool at room temp.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream really takes these bars to dessert-star status, especially when served warm. It’s that contrast of warm gooeyness and cool creaminess that makes you smile every time.

Side Dishes

Because these bars are rich and sweet, I often pair them with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness. A cup of black coffee or strong tea is my go-to beverage to balance the sweetness while enjoying every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these bars on a decorative platter lined with colorful parchment paper and sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans around the edges. Making mini versions using a brownie pan with smaller sections is a fun twist for parties, too! And if you’re feeling fancy, layering bars and adding edible gold leaf on top makes for a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars hold up really well refrigerated. I store them in an airtight container, and they stay fresh and flavorful for about 4-5 days. I’ve found they even taste better the next day after the flavors meld overnight. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before slicing if chilled.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to pop a bar in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds—to warm it just enough so the chocolate melts again, but not so long that it becomes oily or dry. Alternatively, reheating in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes wrapped in foil does wonders to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a little slice of magic I’ve kept in my dessert arsenal for years, especially for when I want to impress without hours in the kitchen. The mix of gooey, nutty, and chocolatey all in one bite is downright addictive. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to bring that homemade, heartfelt touch to your next gathering or just treat yourself on a cozy evening. I bet once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites, just like it did for me!

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