Name: Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.5 cups Salted Butter (at room temperature (1 stick)); 0.25 cups Packed Light Brown Sugar; 3 large Eggs; 0.75 cups Light Corn Syrup; 0.75 cups Granulated Sugar; 2 tablespoons Salted Butter (melted); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1.75 cups Coarsely Chopped Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate (or chocolate chunks in a bag!); 1.5 cups Chopped Pecans

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There’s something undeniably special about the combination of chocolate and pecans, especially in my favorite dessert, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars. I still remember the first time I made them for a family gathering. The aroma of warm butter and brown sugar filled the kitchen, enveloping us in a sweet embrace. As the bars baked, I could hardly wait to share them with my loved ones. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight. It’s those simple moments that make sharing dessert so memorable.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet

What’s Great About This Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the things that sets Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars apart is the harmony of flavors. The rich, nutty taste of pecans perfectly complements the sweetness of chocolate, creating a mouthwatering indulgence.

2. Texture That Excites

As you bite into these bars, you’ll experience a delightful contrast. The base is chewy and slightly crisp, while the filling is gooey and rich. It’s the kind of texture that keeps you coming back for more.

3. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, a cozy fall gathering, or just a casual night with friends, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars fit right in. They are always a crowd-pleaser and can easily be made ahead of time, making them a stress-free dessert option.

4. Easy to Make

Don’t let the gourmet flavor fool you; these bars are incredibly simple to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself baking these delectable bars in no time.

What Goes Into Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

The ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the rich taste and gooey consistency that make these bars irresistible. The combination of all-purpose flour, butter, and brown sugar creates a perfectly chewy crust, while the filling, packed with eggs, light corn syrup, and chocolate, delivers a luscious sweetness.

1½ cups of all-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, providing structure.
½ cup of salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust.
¼ cup of packed light brown sugar: Sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
3 large eggs: Key for binding the filling together.
¾ cup of light corn syrup: Adds sweetness and that gooey texture.
¾ cup of granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the filling.
2 tablespoons of salted butter, melted: For added richness in the filling.
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer.
1¾ cups of coarsely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate: The star of the dessert, providing a rich chocolate flavor.
1½ cups of chopped pecans: Adds crunch and nuttiness.

Step by Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

Making Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Let’s start by preparing our baking pan and then move on to creating the crust.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your bars bake evenly. While the oven is heating, grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it well with butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the crust by combining the all-purpose flour, salted butter, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
While the crust is baking, start on the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Then add the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
Stir in the chocolate and chopped pecans to the egg mixture. This is where the magic happens! Mix gently to ensure the chocolate and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven. Pour the filling mixture evenly over the warm crust, spreading it out with a spatula if necessary.
Bake the bars for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process will help them firm up. Once cool, slice them into squares or bars, whichever you prefer.
Storage tip: If any bars remain (though I doubt they will!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For those in warmer climates, refrigerating them can help keep them fresh.

Things Worth Knowing

Watch your timing: Pay close attention to the baking times. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, while underbaking may leave you with a gooey mess.
Ingredient quality matters: Using high-quality chocolate can elevate the taste of these bars significantly.
Prepping ahead: You can make the crust a day in advance and let it cool before adding the filling.
Serving suggestion: These bars are delicious on their own, but serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Recipe Notes about Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

Here are some tips for getting the best results from your Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars. These insights can help you avoid common pitfalls and make sure your dessert is a hit every time.

Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you live in a warm climate, consider keeping them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer.
Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Customizations: You can experiment by adding other nuts like walnuts or even a swirl of caramel for extra flavor.
Portion control: Cut them into small squares for bite-sized treats or larger for a more indulgent dessert.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

Finding the right pairings can enhance your dessert experience with Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars. Here are some delightful suggestions:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of ice cream complements the chewy bars perfectly.
Pair with coffee: A warm cup of coffee can accentuate the sweetness and richness of the bars.
Offer at gatherings: These bars are perfect for potlucks or family gatherings where you want to impress guests.
Seasonal treats: Enjoy them during the fall or at Thanksgiving, as they fit beautifully with the festive spirit.
Store properly: Ensure to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, or in the fridge if you live without air conditioning.

FAQ

Absolutely! While chopped pecans are traditional in Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars, you can easily substitute or mix in other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

To check if your Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle.

Definitely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to increase the amount of chocolate in the filling. Just remember that adding too much may alter the texture, so keep a balance for the best results.

Store your Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a warm area, consider keeping them in the fridge to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are truly a standout dessert, combining the richness of chocolate with the crunch of pecans. They are perfect for any occasion and an absolute joy to share with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s both easy and rewarding, and I can guarantee that you’ll want to make it multiple times!