Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
When it comes to dessert, nothing beats the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie—unless you add chocolate! Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are everything we love about the classic pie but in a more convenient, shareable bar form.
Perfectly layered with a buttery shortbread crust, a rich chocolate layer, and a sticky pecan topping, these bars are always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a sweet treat on a cozy night at home. My family loves the contrast of the crunch from the pecans with the smoothness of the chocolate, and I love how simple they are to prepare!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the bars sweeter, while dark chocolate provides a more balanced richness. Use whichever you prefer.
Q: What type of pecans work best?
A: Fresh, halved pecans are ideal, but chopped pecans will work if that’s what you have on hand. Just avoid pre-salted or flavored varieties.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Definitely. These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What You Need to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
- For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Shortbread Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Layer with Chocolate:
- As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust. Let them sit for a minute to melt slightly, then spread them gently with a spatula.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
- Keep the Crust Even: Press the shortbread crust evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
- Don’t Overbake the Filling: Look for a slightly puffed and set filling. Overbaking can make the pecans dry and the bars too firm.
- Line Your Pan: Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out and ensures no sticking.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Add a mix of semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Serve Warm or Cold: These bars are delicious at room temperature, but a quick microwave reheat makes them irresistibly gooey!
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These bars were a huge hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! The chocolate layer adds so much decadence.” – Emily
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Super easy to make and absolutely delicious! My kids loved them.” – James
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used gluten-free flour for the crust, and they turned out perfectly. A new family favorite!” – Claire
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The combination of chocolate and pecan pie is genius. Everyone at my office potluck asked for the recipe!” – Olivia
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I added a sprinkle of sea salt on top, and it really brought out the flavors. So good!” – Alex
Printable Recipe
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a rich chocolate layer, and a gooey pecan pie topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a decadent dessert!
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Shortbread Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Layer with Chocolate:
- As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust. Let them sit for a minute to melt slightly, then spread them gently with a spatula.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
Cool and Slice:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat to brighten any occasion. If you loved this recipe, why not share it with friends, family, or your online community? Snap a photo of your delicious creation, post it on your favorite social platform, and tag me—I’d love to see your masterpieces! Sharing recipes spreads the joy of cooking and baking, and these bars are sure to sweeten someone else’s day. Let’s bake happiness together!
