Heavenly Pecan Pie Squares Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Squares Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Dessert lovers swoon over these irresistible pecan pie squares that blend rich southern tradition with modern sweet cravings.

The classic pecan pie squares offer a delectable twist on a beloved holiday favorite.

Buttery, crisp pastry cradles a luscious caramel-like filling studded with toasted pecans.

Warm spices and deep nutty flavors dance across your palate with each decadent bite.

These squares deliver all the comfort of traditional pie in a convenient, shareable format perfect for gatherings.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Your next dessert sensation awaits with these mouthwatering pecan pie squares that promise to steal the show at any table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 281 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Squares

For Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy, crumbly base for the squares with a classic, tender texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, crisp crust with golden edges.
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the crust ingredients together smoothly.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
For Filling:
  • Corn Syrup: Creates a silky, glossy filling with perfect gooey consistency and deep caramel undertones.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps achieve a rich, amber color.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and create a luxurious, custardy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and complements the nutty pecan flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling for a smooth, even texture.
  • Salt: Balances and brightens the sweet filling flavors.
For Topping:
  • Pecan Pieces: Deliver crunchy texture, nutty flavor, and classic Southern pie character with buttery richness.

Tools You’ll Need to Cut the Perfect Squares

  • 8×8-inch baking pan: essential for creating perfectly sized pecan pie squares.
  • Parchment paper: helps easily remove bars from pan without sticking.
  • Mixing bowls: needed for preparing crust and filling separately.
  • Whisk: perfect for blending filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: helps cream butter and sugar efficiently.
  • Spatula: useful for spreading and scraping mixtures.

Instructions to Bake Gooey Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Squares Delight

  • Crust Foundation

Grab a cozy 8×8-inch baking pan and lovingly line it with parchment paper. Your kitchen will soon smell like heaven as you create a buttery base that melts in your mouth.

  • Dough Creation

Mix soft butter with sugar until it transforms into a dreamy, crumbly landscape. Gently fold in flour, pressing the mixture into your prepared pan like you’re crafting an edible artwork.

  • Initial Baking

Slide the pan into a warm 350°F oven, letting the crust become a golden paradise for about 20 minutes. Your kitchen will whisper sweet promises of deliciousness.

  • Filling Magic

Blend corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs into a silky symphony. Sprinkle in vanilla and pecans, creating a rich, glossy mixture that promises pure indulgence.

  • Final Transformation

Pour the luscious filling over your perfectly baked crust. Return to the oven, allowing the squares to bubble and caramelize for 25-30 minutes until they reach a gorgeous amber glow.

  • Tempting Finale

Let your creation cool and set, then slice into irresistible squares. Each bite promises a dance of sweet, nutty perfection that will make taste buds sing.

Tips for Firm Centers and Buttery Crusts

  • Nutty Texture Boost: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the filling. This simple step intensifies their rich, roasted flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these squares up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time.
  • Flavor Twist: Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or dark corn syrup for a unique taste profile. Each variation brings its own subtle nuance to the classic pecan pie squares.
  • Chocolate Lover's Hack: Drizzle melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate over the cooled squares for an indulgent chocolate-pecan combination that takes the dessert to the next level.

Serve Pie Squares Warm, Cold, or with Whip

  • Dessert Plating Perfection: Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the pecan pie squares for an elegant, bakery-style finish that adds a delicate sweetness.
  • Flavor Companions: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to create a rich, indulgent dessert experience that balances the nutty pecan flavor.
  • Festive Presentation: Arrange squares on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves and a light drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the visual appeal and add complementary flavors.
  • Party Portion Style: Cut squares into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings, making them perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or casual dessert nights with friends.

Pecan Bar Storage That Keeps Them Tidy

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep these delectable squares wrapped tightly in plastic film or sealed container. They'll stay fresh and tasty for 4-5 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 3 days before your event. Store in an airtight container between layers of wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain optimal texture.
  • Freezer-Ready Treat: Want longer storage? Freeze individual squares for up to 2 months. Wrap each square separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: These squares taste best when slightly chilled or at room temperature. Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow natural flavors to develop and soften the texture.
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Heavenly Pecan Pie Squares Recipe

Heavenly Pecan Pie Squares Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Homemade pecan pie squares deliver southern hospitality with buttery, caramelized nutty goodness. Sweet southern comfort melts rich layers of crunchy pecans and silky caramel into perfect bite-sized indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz pecan pieces
  • 1 ½ cups pecans
  • 1 stick (8 tbsps) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ¾ cup dark or light corn syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Fire up the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack centrally for consistent heat distribution.
  2. Pan Protection: Coat a square baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, ensuring smooth extraction of the finished dessert.
  3. Crust Construction: Cream butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency. Gently fold in flour, working the ingredients until a crumbly dough emerges.
  4. Base Baking: Uniformly press the dough across the pan’s surface, creating a solid foundation. Bake until the edges turn a golden amber, roughly 20-22 minutes.
  5. Filling Fusion: Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs into a silky emulsion. Incorporate vanilla, flour, and salt, blending until smooth. Generously fold in pecan pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  6. Final Assembly: Pour the nutty filling over the baked crust, allowing it to spread evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a caramelized surface and set filling.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate to achieve optimal setting, then slice into elegant squares ready for indulgence.

Notes

  • Precise Oven Positioning: Center rack ensures uniform heat distribution, preventing uneven baking and potential burning of delicate crust.
  • Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother, more consistent dough that blends effortlessly and creates a tender crust.
  • Pecan Distribution Technique: Gently fold nuts through filling to prevent sinking, guaranteeing every square includes a perfect nutty crunch.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Complete cooling allows filling to set properly, transforming squares from runny to perfectly sliceable texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 281
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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