Decadent Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread & Juicy California Raisins: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert

Get ready to redefine your holiday dessert traditions! While classic pecan pie holds a special place, these incredible Pecan Pie Bars are poised to become the new showstopper on every festive menu. Imagine everything you adore about pecan pie, meticulously crafted into convenient, irresistible squares. Each bite delivers an exquisite harmony of textures and flavors: ooey-gooey richness perfectly balanced with satisfying crunch, a delightful blend of sweet and salty notes, all built upon a tender, buttery shortbread crust. What truly sets these bars apart is the thoughtful inclusion of naturally sun-dried California Raisins, which infuse each square with a delicious, chewy, and naturally sweet burst that elevates the entire experience.

I’m incredibly grateful to California Raisins for sponsoring this delightful recipe. Their commitment to quality and natural sweetness makes them a perfect partner for such a scrumptious treat. Rest assured, all opinions and creative ideas shared here are 100% my own. Don’t forget to visit their website, californiaraisins.ca, for even more inspiring holiday recipe ideas that showcase the versatility of these wonderful raisins!

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Adore These Pecan Pie Bars
• Key Ingredients Explained
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
• Expert Baking Tips & Tricks
• Essential Equipment for Perfect Bars
• Storing Your Pecan Pie Bars
• Creative Variations & Customization Ideas
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• More Irresistible Related Recipes

Why You’ll Adore These Pecan Pie Bars

These Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and convenience. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire:

Easy, Quick, and Straightforward Baking: Forget the complexities of traditional pie crusts! There’s no need for intricate rolling, crimping, or handling delicate pie dough. These bars streamline the entire dessert-making process, making them an ideal choice for busy holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities, all while still presenting a dessert that looks and tastes incredibly impressive.

Irresistible Shortbread Crust Foundation: The base of these bars is a dream come true for shortbread lovers. Made with a rich, buttery shortbread crust, it offers a crispy, tender, and subtly sweet counterpoint to the decadent pecan filling. This firm yet crumbly crust provides the perfect structural integrity for easy handling and a delightful textural contrast that truly elevates each bite.

California Raisins for a Sweet, Chewy Burst: The inclusion of naturally sun-dried California Raisins is a game-changer. These humble dried fruits add a wonderful depth of flavor, a pleasant chewiness, and a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the crunchy, nutty pecans. They are a versatile ingredient that not only enhances the texture profile but also provides a delightful surprise in every square, making these bars truly unique.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert: Planning for holiday dinners can be stressful, but these pecan pie bars offer a fantastic solution. They are designed to be a perfect make-ahead dessert, meaning you can bake them days in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you one less thing to worry about on the day of your celebration, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.

Unmatched Gooey and Crunchy Texture Combination: Prepare for a sensory delight! The interior of these bars features a luscious, soft, and gooey filling, reminiscent of a rich custard, while the generous layer of toasted pecans provides an incredible crunch. This dynamic interplay of soft, chewy, and crispy textures creates an eating experience that is truly unmatched and utterly addictive.

Effortless Transport for Potlucks and Gatherings: Unlike a whole pie which can be cumbersome to travel with, these sturdy bars are incredibly easy to transport. Simply slice them into individual servings, pack them in an airtight container, and you’re ready to impress at any dinner party, potluck, or family gathering. They also make for easy serving and cleanup, further enhancing their appeal as a go-to dessert for sharing.

Key Ingredients Explained

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to achieving the perfect Pecan Pie Bars. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

California Raisins: For this recipe, I specifically chose classic California Raisins. These aren’t just any raisins; they are naturally sun-dried, which concentrates their sweetness and gives them a uniquely tender, chewy texture. Their natural sweetness means you don’t need excessive added sugar, and their slight tang balances the richness of the pie filling. They’re an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes, making them ideal for these pecan squares. They add moisture, texture, and a delightful burst of fruity flavor.

Pecans: The star of the show! I highly recommend chopping and then toasting your pecans. Chopping ensures an even distribution throughout the filling, so every bite gets some pecan goodness. Toasting them in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling deepens their flavor profile immensely, bringing out their inherent nuttiness and adding an extra layer of crunch. This simple step truly makes a difference.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is quintessential to classic pecan pie, and it’s used in both the shortbread crust and the luscious filling. I opt for the light variety because its molasses content adds a lovely caramel-like flavor and contributes to the moist, tender texture of the crust and the rich, gooey consistency of the filling. It’s essential for that signature pecan pie taste.

Light Corn Syrup: This ingredient plays a critical role in the texture of the pie filling. Light corn syrup is paramount for creating a smooth, glossy, and beautifully set filling. Its primary function is to prevent sugar crystallization, which can result in a grainy texture. Additionally, its thick consistency acts as a binder, effectively gluing all the components of the filling together and ensuring it sets up perfectly once baked and cooled.

Eggs: Eggs are vital for binding the filling ingredients and contributing to the signature soft, gooey, and custardy texture of the pecan pie layer. They provide structure and richness, helping the filling to set while maintaining its desirable softness.

Butter: Unsalted butter is crucial for both the shortbread crust and the filling. In the crust, it provides unparalleled richness, flakiness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. In the filling, melted butter adds a luxurious depth of flavor and contributes to the smooth, decadent consistency, making these bars truly extra delicious.

All-Purpose Flour: I use standard all-purpose flour for the shortbread crust. Its balanced protein content creates a tender yet sturdy base. For those with dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Always ensure your chosen gluten-free blend is suitable for baking applications like shortbread to achieve the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Creating these delicious Pecan Pie Bars is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, manageable steps. Follow these instructions carefully for perfect results every time!

1. Craft the Perfect Shortbread Crust: Begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a tender crust. Next, gently incorporate the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Beat these ingredients until they come together to form a beautifully crumbly dough. This isn’t a smooth, elastic dough; its crumbly nature is what gives shortbread its characteristic texture. Press this delightful dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×9 inch baking pan. The parchment paper is absolutely crucial for easy removal later! Once pressed, pre-bake the crust for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden at the edges. This initial bake prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a perfectly crisp base for your bars. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Toast the Pecans for Enhanced Flavor: This step is small but mighty! Place your chopped pecans in a hot, dry skillet over medium heat. Keep tossing them consistently for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice they start to become fragrant and slightly darker in color – this indicates they’re toasted and their nutty flavors have intensified. Be vigilant, as nuts can burn quickly. Remove them from the heat immediately after toasting to prevent overcooking.

3. Prepare the Rich Pecan Pie Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. Avoid over-whisking, as incorporating too much air can affect the final texture. Gently fold in your freshly toasted pecans and the wonderful California Raisins. These additions will sink slightly into the gooey mixture, ensuring a beautiful distribution of nuts and fruit throughout the finished bars.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully pour the prepared pecan pie filling over the cooled (or slightly warm) shortbread crust in your baking pan. Spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The bars are ready when the center has a very slight, almost imperceptible jiggle. The edges should appear set and golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling, so keep an eye on them! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. Patience is a virtue here, as cooling is essential for the filling to fully set.

Expert Baking Tips & Tricks

Achieving bakery-quality Pecan Pie Bars is easy with these insider tips and tricks:

Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a perfectly gooey filling. The bars are done when the center still has a very slight, delicate jiggle. The edges should be set, but if the entire surface is firm, you’ve likely overbaked them, which can result in a dry and less desirable texture. A small amount of movement in the very middle is exactly what you’re looking for, as it will continue to set as it cools.

Always Toast the Pecans: Do not skip this step! Toasting the pecans for a few minutes in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling dramatically enhances their flavor. It brings out their natural oils and deepens their nutty aroma, adding a complex and delicious dimension to these bars that untoasted pecans simply can’t achieve.

Gently Press Down the Shortbread Crust After Baking: Sometimes, during the initial blind bake, certain parts of the shortbread crust might puff up slightly, creating an uneven surface. Immediately after removing the crust from the oven, gently use the back of a spatula or a flat bottom of a glass to press down any puffed-up areas. This ensures a perfectly flat and even base for your pecan filling.

Weigh Your Ingredients for Precision: For consistently perfect baking results, especially with flour, I cannot stress enough the importance of weighing your ingredients using a kitchen scale rather than relying solely on volumetric measuring cups. Flour can compact differently in a cup, leading to significant variations. Weighing ensures you use the exact amount specified in the recipe, guaranteeing the correct texture and consistency every single time. Here is an excellent resource explaining why weighing ingredients is superior.

Exercise Patience – Don’t Slice Until Fully Cooled: This is another vital tip for beautifully shaped bars. If you attempt to slice the pecan pie bars while they are still warm, the gooey filling will likely run, causing them to lose their shape and become quite messy. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature, ideally for several hours or even overnight, before cutting into squares.

The Magic of Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, is an absolute must. It makes removing the entire slab of cooled pecan pie bars from the pan incredibly easy and mess-free. Simply lift the parchment paper, and your bars will come out effortlessly, ready for slicing.

Chill the Bars for a Pristine Slice: For those picture-perfect, clean-cut squares, consider chilling the cooled bars in the refrigerator overnight before slicing. The cold temperature will firm up the filling even further, allowing for sharper, neater cuts and preventing any stickiness.

Avoid Overmixing the Pecan Filling: When preparing the pecan pie filling, whisk only until the ingredients are just smooth and well-combined. Over-whisking or beating the eggs too vigorously can incorporate too much air into the mixture. This excess air can lead to a filling that is overly airy, less dense, and prone to cracking on the surface during baking, affecting its desirable gooey texture.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Bars

Having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving baking success. Here’s the essential equipment you’ll need for these Pecan Pie Bars:

9×9” Nonstick Baking Pan: A high-quality 9×9 inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe. Its dimensions ensure the bars are thick enough to be substantial but still allow for even baking of both the crust and the filling. A nonstick variety will further aid in easy release, especially when paired with parchment paper. Here’s a link to my favorite one, which consistently delivers excellent results!

Parchment Paper: This kitchen staple is indispensable for these bars. I always line all sides of the pan with two sheets of parchment paper, creating a sling that makes removing the entire cooled slab of bars incredibly simple. Trust me, this small step will save you a lot of effort and ensure a clean lift-out without any sticking or crumbling.

Electric Hand Mixer: A hand mixer is incredibly useful for preparing the shortbread crust. It efficiently creams the butter and sugars together until fluffy, creating the perfect aerated base for a tender crust. While you could use a stand mixer, a hand mixer is perfectly adequate and often more convenient for this specific task.

Storing Your Pecan Pie Bars

One of the many advantages of these Pecan Pie Bars is how well they store, making them perfect for preparing in advance or enjoying over several days.

Room Temperature Storage

Once completely cooled, these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure they are protected from air to maintain their freshness and prevent the crust from becoming stale or the filling from drying out.

Refrigerated Storage

For extended freshness, store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling them can also enhance their firmness, making them easier to handle and offering a slightly different, denser texture that many enjoy.

Freezer Storage

These bars freeze beautifully! Once sliced into individual squares, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen bars to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the bars defrost at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for future treats.

Creative Variations & Customization Ideas

While these Pecan Pie Bars are perfect as is, they also lend themselves beautifully to customization. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, melt some dark, milk, or white chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cooled bars. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate can create a delightful sweet and salty contrast.

Spiced Pecan Bars: Incorporate warm spices into the pecan filling. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of allspice can add a wonderful aromatic depth, perfect for colder months.

Bourbon or Rum Infusion: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon or two of bourbon or dark rum to the pecan filling mixture. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a subtle, sophisticated flavor that pairs wonderfully with pecans and brown sugar.

Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you could experiment with a mix of nuts like walnuts, cashews, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to toast them as well.

Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest can brighten up the filling. Add about 1 teaspoon of finely grated zest to the pecan filling mixture for a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness.

Toffee Bits or Caramel Swirl: Fold in a handful of toffee bits with the pecans and raisins for an extra layer of crunch and buttery caramel flavor. Alternatively, swirl some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the filling just before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Irresistible Related Recipes

If you loved these Pecan Pie Bars, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful recipes that are perfect for baking and sharing:

Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust – Another fantastic bar cookie that transforms a classic pie into an easy-to-share treat.

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake – For those who can’t get enough of the pecan and caramel combination in a creamy, decadent dessert.

Apple, Pecan and California Raisin Pie – A wonderful classic pie elevated with the delightful texture and sweetness of California Raisins.

Chewy Raisin Squares – If you adore the chewiness of raisins, these squares are a must-try, packed with fruity goodness.

Get the Recipe:
Raisin Pecan Pie Squares

5 stars (2 reviews)

These Pecan Pie squares are everything you want them to be: ooey-gooey while still being crunchy, sweet and salty, and are an incredibly easy to make alternative to classic pecan pie!

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 16 squares

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Ingredients

 

Shortbread Crust

• 3/4 cup (171g) Unsalted Butter,, softened to room temperature
• 6 tbsp (75g) White Granulated Sugar
• 3 tbsp (41g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 ¾ cups (210g) All Purpose Flour
• 1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt

Raisin Pecan Pie Filling

• 2 ½ cups (310g) Pecans, chopped and toasted
• 1 cup (220g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (255g) Light Corn Syrup
• 2 tbsp (28g) Unsalted Butter,, melted
• 4 Large Eggs
• 1 ½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup (100g) California Raisins

Equipment

• 9×9″ Baking Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Large Mixing Bowls
• Dry Skillet
• Whisk
• Sieve (optional, for flour)
• Kitchen Scale (highly recommended)

Instructions

 

Shortbread Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lightly coating it with cooking spray, then lining it with two sheets of parchment paper. Ensure the parchment extends over the sides to create a “sling” for easy removal of the baked bars.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment), beat these ingredients together on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Sift the all-purpose flour and salt directly over the wet ingredients into the bowl. Continue mixing with the hand mixer on low speed until a crumbly dough forms and all the flour is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
• Carefully pour the crumbly dough into your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a flat spatula to press the dough evenly and firmly across the bottom of the pan, forming a compact crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before proceeding to add the pecan pie filling.

Raisin Pecan Pie Filling

• While the crust is cooling, prepare the pecans. In a medium-sized dry skillet set over medium heat, add the chopped pecans. Toss the pecans consistently for about 2 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool slightly.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly combined. Fold in the toasted pecans and California Raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
• Pour the prepared pecan pie filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust in the baking pan. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes. The bars are ready when the center has a very slight, delicate jiggle (the edges should be set). Remove from oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is crucial for the filling to fully set. Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper sling, then cut into 16 uniform squares. Enjoy!

Cuisine: American

Course: Baking, Dessert, Holiday

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