Easy Chocolate-Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike: the irresistible Chocolate-Pecan Pie Bars. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, combines the luscious, velvety richness of chocolate with the crunchy, nutty texture of pecans nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for any celebration or casual treat, these bars offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether you are preparing for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply craving a decadent snack, these bars are straightforward to make and guaranteed to impress. Their versatility means they can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled, making them suitable for various occasions and preferences. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail, from ingredient selection to presentation tips, ensuring your success in creating these delectable treats.

Time

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

40 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Needed Equipment

• 13″ x 9″ baking pan – preferably glass or metal for even baking
• Mixing bowls – medium and large sizes
• Forks – for mixing and blending
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement
• Spatula or wooden spoon – to mix and spread the crust and filling
• Lightly floured surface or parchment paper – for handling dough
• Cooling rack – to cool the bars after baking
• Knife or pizza cutter – for slicing the bars into even portions
• Optional: Parchment paper – to line the pan for easier removal and cleanup

Tags

dessert, bar cookie, chocolate, pecans, nutty, sweet treats, easy baking, crowd-pleaser, no-fuss dessert, love with recipes

Serving Size

One bar (approximately 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches), with the recipe yielding about 48 bars, makes it suitable for large gatherings or multiple servings.

Difficulty Level

Easy — suitable for beginner bakers and those looking for a quick, delicious dessert with minimal fuss. The process involves simple mixing, pressing, and baking steps.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian (contains dairy and eggs; not vegan). Not suitable for nut allergies due to pecans.

Course

Dessert

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

Ingredient Details

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating is crucial for even baking and achieving the right crust texture. While the oven heats, grab your 13″ x 9″ baking pan. For easier cleanup and removal, line the pan with parchment paper or generously grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures your bars come out smoothly once baked and cooled.

Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix (reserve 1 cup for the filling), softened butter, and a slightly beaten egg. Beating the egg lightly ensures better incorporation and a smoother crust. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to blend these ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly sticky or dense.

Transfer the crumbly mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using lightly floured hands or a spatula, press the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan. Aim for a uniform, flat layer—press gently but firmly enough to compact the crust slightly without packing it too tightly. This step ensures a tender, crumbly base that complements the filling.

Bake the Crust

Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust; it should turn a light golden brown. This initial bake forms the foundation for the filling, so avoid overbaking, which can lead to a tough crust. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly viscous. Then, add the reserved 1 cup of cake mix to the wet ingredients. Using a fork, stir until just combined, leaving some tiny lumps—this adds texture to the filling. This step creates a rich, sweet, and slightly gooey filling that will set during baking.

Assemble the Bars

Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure full coverage. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans uniformly over the filling. The nuts will toast slightly during baking, enhancing their flavor and crunch. Be sure to distribute the pecans evenly to maintain consistency in each bar.

Bake the Complete Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the filling appears set and slightly puffed, and the edges are golden brown. To test, gently shake the pan—if the filling jiggles slightly but doesn’t slosh, it’s ready. Overbaking can cause the filling to crack or become overly firm, so monitor closely near the 25-minute mark.

Cooling and Cutting

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the filling to set properly and makes slicing easier. Once cooled completely, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut into even squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. For clean cuts, wipe the blade between slices and cut with a gentle sawing motion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars at room temperature or slightly chilled for a firmer texture. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Arrange on a platter for parties or stack in an airtight container for easy storage and transport.

Preparation Tips

• Use high-quality cake mix for better flavor; vanilla or yellow work best, but you can experiment with fun variations like chocolate or spice cake mixes.
• Make sure butter is softened but not melted to ensure proper incorporation into the crust mixture.
• Chopping pecans into halves or smaller pieces can influence texture—larger pieces give more crunch, smaller pieces distribute more evenly.
• If you prefer a more pronounced caramel flavor, substitute dark corn syrup with brown sugar syrup or add a splash of bourbon to the filling.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the filling before baking.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the filling; this enhances their aroma and crunch.
• Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts, especially if bars are slightly sticky or soft.
• If you prefer a more decadent topping, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over cooled bars.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months—perfect for grab-and-go treats.

Add-ons

• Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a more chocolate-intensive experience.
• Caramel sauce drizzled on top for extra sweetness.
• Sea salt sprinkled over the pecans before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Chopped walnuts or almonds as alternatives or additions to pecans.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the richness.
• Fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast.
• Fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing accompaniment.
• Hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Improvements

• Incorporate a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone in the filling for added richness.
• Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust or filling for warm spice notes.
• Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense flavor profile.
• Experiment with gluten-free cake mixes to cater to dietary restrictions.

Save and Store

Once cooled and sliced, store the bars in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and bake the bars a day in advance. Store them properly and bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely. Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts can be used as alternatives. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe adapts well to gluten-free baking.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Line your pan with parchment paper or thoroughly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Cooling the bars completely before cutting also helps maintain their shape.

Conclusion

This Easy Chocolate-Pecan Pie Bars recipe exemplifies the perfect union of simplicity and decadence. It’s an ideal dessert for bakers of all experience levels seeking to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving effortlessly. The combination of a buttery crust, luscious chocolate filling, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. From the initial mixing to the final slice, each step is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a foolproof result. With minor variations and customization options, this dessert can be tailored to suit your taste and occasion. Remember, the key to perfect bars is patience—allow them to cool thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean, beautiful pieces.

For more delectable recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Love With Recipes, where food lovers gather to share and celebrate the art of baking and cooking.

References

• “The Pastry Chef’s Companion” by Glasse, Rose Levy
• “The Baking Bible” by Rose Levy Beranbaum