Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Gooey and Irresistible

What transforms traditional pecan pie from a single-slice dessert into a crowd-pleasing treat that feeds twenty people while being exponentially easier to serve? These chocolate pecan pie bars accomplish exactly that by adding a buttery shortbread crust, rich chocolate layer, and classic pecan filling that can be cut into perfect squares without the mess of traditional pie slicing. This baked dessert recipe combines the best elements of pecan pie with the convenience of bar cookies, creating an indulgent treat that’s equally at home at holiday gatherings, bake sales, or as an impressive homemade gift that showcases your baking skills.

Ingredients List

For these chocolate pecan pie bars you’ll need quality ingredients that create layers of complementary flavors and textures.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 cups pecan halves
• 4 large eggs
• 1½ cups light corn syrup
• 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Timing

These chocolate pecan pie bars require patience for perfect results with multiple delicious layers:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Crust baking time: 20 minutes
• Final baking time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling time: 2 hours
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Spray lightly with cooking spray to ensure these chocolate pecan pie bars release perfectly after cooling.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base that won’t crumble.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges but still pale in the center. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust. Let sit for 2 minutes to soften.

Step 4: Spread the Chocolate Layer

Using an offset spatula, gently spread the softened chocolate chips into an even layer across the entire crust. Work quickly but carefully to avoid disturbing the crust underneath. This creates a luscious chocolate barrier between crust and pecan filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs until frothy. Add corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for 1 minute until completely smooth and sugar begins to dissolve.

Step 6: Add Pecans and Pour

Stir pecan halves into the filling mixture, ensuring nuts are evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture over the chocolate layer, using a spatula to distribute pecans evenly across the surface for uniform appearance.

Step 7: Bake Until Set

Return pan to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with just a few sticky crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the chocolate pecan pie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours or until completely room temperature. Rushing this step results in messy cuts rather than clean, beautiful squares. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting for cleanest edges.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of these chocolate pecan pie bars, you’ll receive the following nutritional profile per bar:

• Calories: 385 per bar
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Total fat: 21g
• Saturated fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Potassium: 125mg
• Sugar: 35g
• Vitamin E: 8% daily value
• Magnesium: 10% daily value
• Zinc: 6% daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your chocolate pecan pie bars into a lighter version with these modifications that reduce sugar and enhance nutritional value:

• Whole wheat flour blend: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for increased fiber without heavy texture
• Coconut sugar substitution: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for lower glycemic index and trace minerals
• Dark chocolate upgrade: Use 70% dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for increased antioxidants and reduced sugar
• Honey replacement: Substitute half the corn syrup with raw honey for natural sweetness with enzymes and minerals
• Reduced sugar crust: Cut powdered sugar in the crust by half as the filling provides ample sweetness
• Walnut addition: Mix walnuts with pecans for omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health
• Coconut oil option: Replace butter in filling with coconut oil for dairy-free alternative with medium-chain triglycerides
• Flaxseed boost: Add 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed to the crust for additional fiber and omega-3s

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your chocolate pecan pie bars experience with these ideas that enhance presentation and flavor:

• Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for a la mode experience that melts into the gooey pecan filling
• Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for sophisticated sweet-salty flavor combination
• Present these chocolate pecan pie bars on decorative platters lined with parchment for elegant dessert table display at parties
• Pair with strong coffee or espresso for afternoon treat that balances the bars’ intense sweetness
• Top with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings for special occasion presentation
• Serve alongside other holiday desserts like pumpkin pie and apple crisp for variety at Thanksgiving
• Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for cookie platters or dessert buffets where guests sample multiple treats
• Package individually in clear bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts that impress friends and neighbors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master these chocolate pecan pie bars by avoiding these pitfalls that can compromise texture and appearance:

• Skipping parchment paper: Bars stick to the pan without proper lining, making removal impossible and ruining beautiful presentation
• Using warm butter in crust: Soft butter creates greasy, dense crust instead of tender, crumbly shortbread texture
• Not pre-baking the crust: Unbaked crust becomes soggy under wet filling rather than maintaining structural integrity and crisp texture
• Spreading chocolate too soon: Chocolate that hasn’t softened enough tears the delicate crust, while over-softened chocolate mixes with filling
• Overfilling the pan: Excess filling bubbles over during baking, creating messy cleanup and uneven bars
• Cutting while warm: Hot bars fall apart and create jagged edges rather than clean, bakery-quality squares
• Overbaking the filling: Excessive baking creates hard, candy-like texture instead of the signature gooey, chewy pecan pie consistency

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your chocolate pecan pie bars with these strategies that maintain optimal texture:

• Room temperature storage: Keep bars in airtight containers for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking
• Refrigerator preservation: Store the chocolate pecan pie bars in sealed containers for up to 2 weeks, though texture becomes firmer when cold
• Freezer option: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap then aluminum foil, freezing for up to 3 months without quality loss
• Serving temperature: Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore ideal chewy texture
• Prevent sogginess: Place paper towels in storage containers to absorb excess moisture that can make crusts soft
• Portion control: Cut all bars before storing so you can grab individual servings without exposing entire batch
• Gift packaging: Store bars in single layers in decorative tins lined with wax paper for transporting to parties or giving as gifts

Conclusion

These chocolate pecan pie bars perfectly balance convenience with indulgence by transforming classic pecan pie into portable, shareable squares that maintain all the gooey goodness. The combination of buttery crust, melted chocolate, and caramelized pecans creates a baked dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth while impressing guests with professional-looking results.

Ready to create your own irresistible dessert? Bake these chocolate pecan pie bars for your next gathering and watch them disappear. Share photos of your creations in the comments below and rate this recipe to help other bakers discover this perfect crowd-pleasing treat.

FAQs

Can I make chocolate pecan pie bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars actually improve after a day as flavors meld together. Make them up to 3 days ahead and store covered at room temperature.

Why is my crust falling apart? This usually indicates insufficient pressing when forming the crust or not enough butter in the mixture. Press very firmly and evenly for cohesive base.

Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup? While you can substitute, maple syrup creates thinner filling that may not set as firmly as traditional corn syrup version.

How do I get clean cuts? Chill the bars completely, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between each cut for bakery-perfect edges.

Can I make these chocolate pecan pie bars gluten-free? Absolutely, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for nearly identical texture and taste.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust? Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut cold butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.