If you’re a fan of traditional pecan pie, then these Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a must-try. By adding the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter to the classic pecan pie filling, these bars take the beloved dessert to a whole new level. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something indulgent, these bars are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Stick around to discover the recipe, tips, and variations that will make these bars a standout addition to your dessert lineup!

What Are Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars?
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a decadent, portable version of the classic pecan pie. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling made even more flavorful by the addition of browned butter. These bars are easier to serve than traditional pecan pie because they’re baked in a pan and cut into squares, making them perfect for serving at parties or potlucks. The browned butter adds a deep, nutty complexity to the bars, elevating the flavor to something truly special.
Ingredients List for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
To create these delightful Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Brown Butter Pecan Filling:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup (for added depth of flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
With these basic ingredients, you're well on your way to creating a pan of delicious, buttery, and nutty Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars that will impress everyone at the table.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe offers flexibility for those who have dietary preferences or want to experiment with different flavors. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure it’s one formulated for baking to keep the texture similar.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: While honey is often used for a slightly floral sweetness, you can substitute it with maple syrup for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. You can also mix the two if you’d like to experiment.
- Dairy-Free: To make these bars dairy-free, use a vegan butter substitute in both the crust and the filling. You’ll still get that rich, buttery flavor, just without the dairy.
- Add Chocolate: For a twist, try adding ½ cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling before baking. The chocolate adds a delicious, gooey richness to the bars.
- Nut Variations: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. A mix of nuts also works well.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars from start to finish:
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into an even layer. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down evenly.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until it is light golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Brown the Butter for the Filling
- Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the ¾ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, continue cooking the butter, stirring frequently, until it begins to foam and turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter gives off a nutty aroma and you see brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan.
- Cool the butter: Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Filling
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add the browned butter: Slowly pour the slightly cooled browned butter into the sugar mixture, whisking constantly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble.
- Stir in the pecans: Finally, fold in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling over the crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pecan filling over the top and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are firm, and the center is just slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares. This ensures that the filling sets properly and makes slicing easier.
How to Cook Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the Butter Properly: Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these bars. Make sure to keep an eye on the butter as it browns, and stir frequently to prevent it from burning.
- Ensure the Crust is Set: Baking the crust separately first helps create a sturdy base that can hold the gooey pecan filling without becoming soggy. Don’t skip this step!
- Even Pecan Distribution: When adding the pecans to the filling, make sure they’re evenly distributed to avoid having some bars with more filling and others with mostly crust.
- Let it Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the filling has time to set, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the Butter: Brown butter adds a wonderful flavor, but it can go from perfectly browned to burned very quickly. Once you see the brown specks and smell the nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately.
- Undercooking or Overcooking the Filling: The filling should be set but not too firm when you remove it from the oven. If undercooked, the bars will be too gooey; if overcooked, they will be dry and less flavorful. Keep an eye on them after the 25-minute mark and check for a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cutting While Warm: If you cut into the bars before they’ve fully cooled, the filling may ooze out, and the bars won’t hold their shape. Patience is key here—let them cool completely!
Serving and Presentation Tips
These Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are already beautiful with their glossy, caramelized top and buttery, nutty filling. Here are some additional tips to make them look and taste even better:
How to Serve Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for the best texture.
- For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle the bars with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars
- Individual Plates: Arrange each square on a small plate, dust with powdered sugar, and add a small mint sprig for a pop of color.
- On a Dessert Board: If serving for a holiday or gathering, place the bars on a large wooden board along with other treats like cookies or chocolates for a dessert buffet.
- Holiday Style: Add some fall-themed décor to your serving platter, like mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, or cinnamon sticks to evoke a cozy, festive feel.
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chop Pecans Coarsely: For the best texture, chop the pecans into medium-sized pieces. This ensures you get crunchy bits of pecans in every bite without overwhelming the filling.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled, ensuring a clean cut.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
**
A: Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh.
Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will add a richer, more molasses-like flavor, which pairs beautifully with the browned butter and pecans.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes! These bars freeze very well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What other nuts can I use?
A: If you don’t like pecans, you can use walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds for a different twist on the recipe.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars are a rich, flavorful take on the classic pecan pie. With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey pecan filling, and the added complexity of browned butter, these bars are sure to impress at any gathering. They’re easier to make and serve than traditional pie, but every bit as indulgent. Whether you're making these for the holidays or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious bars—your taste buds will thank you!
PrintBrown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Brown butter pecan pie bars offer a rich, nutty twist on the classic pecan pie with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey caramel-like filling. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, crunchy dessert. Brown butter adds depth, enhancing the sweet pecans and creating a deliciously rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup
- Pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty. Set aside to cool.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt to form the crust. Add cooled brown butter and combine. Press into the pan and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, maple syrup, and remaining brown butter. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, spiced touch.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
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