Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust Recipe

Pecan shortbread bars are layered with cookie, caramel and chocolate. Easy to bake and delicious dessert for Christmas or a potluck. Use packaged or make candied pecans yourself to make these squares of yum.

These are one of the best holiday desserts. That delicious pecan topping paired with an amazing shortbread crust is part of the reason that my sweet tooth kicks into overdrive this time of year! (affiliate links present)

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

When it comes to holiday baking, is there anything better than that gooey pecan filling topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips? I think what I love most about this easy holiday dessert is that it’s the perfect pecan mixture without being overly sweet. 

It’s always fun to have a dessert that you can walk around and eat while you mingle so we have come up with a few like this. In December I typically will make a few and create a dessert bar with this, traditional cookies like lebkuchen and for the kids a few Monster Cookie Bars.

Since the middle of this simple pecan recipe is made using brown sugar and heavy cream, you know it’s going to be good! The added chopped pecans stirred in give the perfect crunchy texture, too.  

I have to make sure that I carefully plan ahead and cut an even number for everyone to get at least two, or the holiday cheer goes away quickly! There’s a reason why I usually make a doubled batch of this recipe because none of us can stop eating it. Typically I’ll make them with our Pumpkin Pecan Pie Recipe too.

One of the biggest tips to keep in mind when making this pecan recipe is that you need to have a correctly prepared pan. The last thing that you want to have happened is for this goodness to stick to the baking pan! 

I also spray with nonstick spray, just to be certain. You could also line with parchment paper and spray that too for double assurance! Letting the shortbread pie crust cool completely to room temperature after you remove from the oven is key as well. This will help them stick together, cut better, and remove more effectively, too. 

While these do taste quite a bit like pecan pie, there is a major ingredient missing. You won’t find corn syrup anywhere on this list! I like that the other ingredients used in this recipe create that pie flavor just the same! 

The kids like hopping in and helping with this recipe, too. Their job is to add everything to a large bowl and stir with the mixer. Low and slow is the key, but they like to change up the speeds as they go.  As long as they’re helping out in the kitchen and not making too big of a mess, I don’t mind it at all! 

Ingredient Notes

• Softened butter is the base to any shortbread cookie or pie crust. You could use a dairy free alternative but I will say that it does have a softer texture and isn’t as flaky and rich.
• An egg should be whisked and then added. It is best if it is at room temperature so if you can leave it on the counter an hour or so before making it is best.
• All purpose flour is the base for your dry ingredients to make your basic homemade shortbread cookies.
• Brown sugar will make it sweeter so it has flavor. If you wanted to use a sugar free alternative you could, or leave out entirely if you want to make a 3 ingredient pie crust.

Filling

For this you are going to need some more butter, honey will provide sweetness but alternatively you could use agave or maple syrup but that isn’t as thick. Heavy cream will make it rich and thicker with chopped nuts too. For the top you’ll want to remove and either sprinkle on chocolate chips or melt chocolate chips in microwave. Use back of spoon to smooth when melted.

You’ll find that turning some of your favorite desserts into dessert bars is quite an amazing way to enjoy them. Not only does this save on stress and time of making perfect pies, but it also means fewer dishes! 

While you can absolutely serve these up on plates if you want, there isn’t a need. Using napkins or even just the grab-and-go method is a great idea, too. The fewer dishes, the better!  Since I tend to make these for our holiday desserts at home, it just makes sense to make and gift these glorious bites to others. Sharing food during the holiday season really is caring! 

Whip up a second batch and make that be your batch for gifting. The great thing about gifting cookie bars is that you just need a cute holiday snack bag or gift box to put them in. Make sure not to stack them too high as it might damage their appearance. 

Add a cute gift tag and a bow, and you’re set to share this homemade goodness with family and friends. Talk about the perfect way to share holiday delights. 

Variations

There are a few variations to this recipe that I have to share! If you don’t want to add the chocolate chips on top you can melt them in a bowl first and then drizzle it along the top instead. We like a thick layer, similar to our scotcheroos though, I mean why not. Christmas dessert recipes call for it in my opinion.

You can use all sorts of different chips on top. Peanut butter and semi sweet is a fun mixture as well.

This still gives that sweet chocolate flavor but just in a less covered manner than the recipe is written. 

You can also easily create Caramel Pecan Shortbread Bars by omitting the chocolate chips on top and drizzling caramel sauce. Super easy and delicious, too. (Dare I say that you can combine and do a chocolate caramel sauce?! Totally up to you!) 

Make sure that you store these pecan treats properly as well. Putting them in an airtight container with a lid is best. They also don’t have to be stored in the fridge but can be if you want. 

I tend to cut the entire pan into squares right away so that anyone can grab a quick easy dessert anytime that the craving hits. I think they appreciate the simple gesture as well! 

How to store

To store: wrap each one individually with plastic wrap and seal inside a freezer bag for best results. Leave them on the countertop so they don’t dry out. They will last 4-5 days easily like this.