Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s downright irresistible, you can’t go wrong with my Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. This recipe combines the classic buttery pecan pie flavors with a luscious layer of chocolate chips, all baked into easy-to-handle bars. I absolutely love how these bars turn out—rich, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your bars come out perfect every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together beautifully in this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe to create that classic rich and nutty taste with a twist of chocolate. You’ll want to use fresh pecans and good-quality chocolate chips to get the best results.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the buttery crust that holds everything together.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors—never skip it!
• Unsalted butter (softened): For the crust, softened butter blends smoothly; melted butter goes into the filling.
• Large eggs: Bind the filling and give the bars a chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering.
• Light corn syrup: Helps the filling set with that signature pecan pie gooey texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Chopped pecans: Freshly chopped pecans give a toasty crunch and essential nutty flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The chocolate twist that makes this recipe stand out and gives a rich balance to the sweetness.

Variations

I love making this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe my own by tweaking little things here and there—it’s a fun way to keep it fresh for different occasions. Feel free to get creative!

• Chocolate Variations: Sometimes I swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate or use a mix of milk and dark for a more complex flavor.
• Nut Swaps: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or even chopped almonds work beautifully—I’ve tried both and loved the texture they add.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free flour blend in the crust works well if you need to accommodate dietary needs.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Cut back on the granulated sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bar, especially since the chocolate already brings plenty of richness.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Crust

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan—this step is crucial because the bars stick very easily if you skip it. Then, mix together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter right in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat everything until it looks crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press this evenly into your pan’s bottom, making sure the edges are smooth. Pop it in the oven for 12-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden—this gives you a sturdy base that won’t get soggy when the filling’s poured on top.

Step 2: Whisk the Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together your eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup in a clean bowl. Then mix in the melted butter. This filling is where all the gooey magic happens, so make sure it’s well combined but avoid over-mixing. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

As soon as your crust comes out of the oven, pour the filling evenly over the warm crust. Don’t wait too long here—pouring the filling onto a warm crust helps it set just right. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the filling to be mostly set — it might jiggle slightly in the center but not look liquidy. That’s the sweet spot for chewy yet firm bars.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

This is the hardest part—waiting! Let your bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting; otherwise, the filling might ooze out. I usually cool them for about an hour at room temp, then pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill and firm up before slicing. Use a sharp knife to get clean edges, and wipe the blade between cuts if the filling sticks.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch, or drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top to amp up the chocolate factor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes it feel like a decadent dessert experience.

Side Dishes

For a cozy fall gathering, I usually serve these bars with fresh whipped cream and warm spiced apple cider. They also pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m hosting a party, I like to cut these bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a beautiful platter alongside whole pecans and chocolate curls. Adding little flags or handwritten labels with the recipe name is always a hit too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. If you want to keep them a bit longer, popping them in the fridge works great too.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars successfully wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, in an airtight container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, I reheat them gently in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes or microwave in short bursts. This helps the chocolate soften back up without drying out the filling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to capture all those classic pie flavors in a handheld bar. It’s become a go-to for birthdays, holidays, or any time I want to impress with minimal effort. I hope you give this recipe a try—it truly is that reliable, delicious crowd-pleaser you can count on. Trust me, you’ll be the hero of your next gathering when you bring these out—or just treat yourself on a cozy night in.

Print