Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars
The ultimate comfort food, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars blend sweet chocolate and crunchy pecans in a gooey, rich filling. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these bars are easy to whip up and will satisfy any sweet tooth. You won't be able to resist making them tonight!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
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
Instructions
- 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 9x13-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.
Notes
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.