There’s something magical about the aroma of buttery crust and toasted pecans wafting through the kitchen. These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are a luscious twist on the Southern classic—imagine all the gooey goodness of a pecan pie but in handheld bar form! Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy Sunday treat.
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Overview of Recipe Content
These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are your go-to for when you want something indulgent but easy. They fit right into your Thanksgiving dessert table or your everyday coffee break.
Why You’ll Love It
- Buttery shortbread crust that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- A rich, gooey filling studded with pecans and chocolate chips.
- Easier than traditional pecan pie—no rolling dough or pie pans!
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved.
What It Tastes Like
Think gooey brownie meets pecan pie—sweet, nutty, buttery, and slightly chocolatey. The contrast between the crisp crust and soft filling makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Tools Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a richer flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips for deeper, less-sweet flavor.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a salted twist.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1 – Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in softened butter using your fingers until it forms a crumbly dough. Press evenly into the bottom of your pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 2 – Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Step 3 – Assemble & Bake
Pour the filling over the baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Step 4 – Slice & Enjoy
Once cooled, lift the bars out using parchment paper and cut into squares. The texture is chewy, gooey, and oh-so-delightful!
What to Serve with Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Pair with hot coffee or bourbon-spiked cocoa for adult flair.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overbake! The filling should jiggle slightly when you remove it—it firms as it cools.
- Chill before cutting for clean, bakery-style squares.
- Toast your pecans before adding them to intensify their flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before serving.
General Information
This dessert draws inspiration from traditional Southern pecan pie, a beloved comfort food across the USA. Adding chocolate elevates it to an indulgent twist fit for any modern holiday spread.
Try these other comforting desserts from my kitchen:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes, but it will create a deeper, richer flavor with more molasses notes.
2. Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
3. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the crust is fully baked before adding the filling.
4. Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Bake a day in advance and refrigerate; they taste even better the next day.
Conclusion
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These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence. Whether for Thanksgiving or a random Tuesday, they’ll win over everyone who takes a bite.
If you loved this recipe, you’ll also adore my Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Easy Maple Pecan Scones.
Happy baking, friends! Don’t forget to tag your photos on Pinterest — I’d love to see your gooey creations!
Interactive Elements
Leave a comment below and tell me how yours turned out!
Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with #PoulefRecipe — I can’t wait to see your bars!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Irresistibly Gooey Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars (You’ll Crave These All Year!)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are a heavenly twist on the Southern classic pecan pie—featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey filling packed with pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just when you crave something sweet, rich, and satisfying!
Ingredients
**For the Crust:**
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
**For the Filling:**
¾ cup light corn syrup
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar for the crust. Cut in softened butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips until evenly coated in the sweet filling mixture.
6. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should jiggle slightly).
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
9. For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve and enjoy your gooey, chocolatey pecan pie bars!
Notes
💡 **Make-Ahead Tip:** These bars can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge—they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
💡 **Storage:** Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
💡 **Variation Idea:** Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark or white chocolate chips, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for a salted caramel vibe.
💡 **Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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