Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re like me and adore the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie but want something a little easier to handle (and share!), this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how these bars have all the best flavors of classic pecan pie—minus the fussiness of rolling out crust or cutting slices that hold their shape perfectly. Plus, the addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips brings this recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness. Stick with me here because I’m sharing everything you need to know to nail these bars every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in getting that perfect mix of crumbly crust and luscious filling. I recommend grabbing fresh pecans for the best flavor, and don’t skip the light corn syrup here—it’s crucial for that classic pecan pie goo.

• All Purpose Flour: The base for the crust, providing structure and that tender bite you want.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the crust.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened for the crust and melted for the filling—using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Eggs: Help set the chewy, custardy filling that holds everything together.
• Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the pecans or chocolate.
• Light Corn Syrup: The secret weapon for that sticky, gooey texture every great pecan pie filling needs.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
• Chopped Pecans: Toast them lightly beforehand if you want an extra toasty crunch—I do this whenever I can!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Bring a luscious chocolate twist that pairs perfectly with the nuts and gooey filling.

Variations

I love how versatile these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are—it’s super fun to make them your own. Whether you want to swap nuts or dial up the chocolate, tinkering with the recipe is a great way to make them uniquely yours.

• Nut Swap: I’ve tried walnuts instead of pecans when I was out of stock, and it gave a lovely, slightly earthier flavor that still worked well.
• Dark Chocolate Version: If you love rich, bittersweet chocolate, swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips—it creates a more intense chocolate kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Try a gluten-free all-purpose blend in the crust—I did this for a friend’s dietary needs, and it came out just as delicious.
• Mini Bars: Use a smaller baking pan, like 8×8, and adjust the baking time slightly for thicker bars that are perfect for individual servings.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Crust for the Perfect Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch pan. Then, in a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter using an electric mixer until the mixture looks crumbly—kind of like wet sand. Press this evenly into your pan to form the crust. I like to press with the back of a measuring cup to get it nice and compact. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden; this first bake helps the crust set, so it doesn’t get soggy when the filling goes on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling Magic

While the crust is baking, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth. This mixture is what makes the pie bars so irresistible—sticky, sweet, and satisfying. Then gently fold in your chopped pecans and chocolate chips. This step happens while the crust is warm, which helps the filling meld beautifully once baked.

Step 3: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and pop it back in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on it starting at 25 to avoid overbaking. You’re looking for a filling that’s set but still has a slight jiggle in the center—similar to how you’d check a cheesecake. This texture is pure heaven in every bite!

Step 4: Cool Before Cutting

Once out of the oven, let your Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, this is key—cutting too early will result in a sticky mess. Patience here means clean, neat bars that keep their gooey charm with a satisfying crunch from the pecans.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate and pecan flavors—it’s a little trick that adds sophistication. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream also takes these bars to dessert royalty status in my book.

Side Dishes

These bars are a perfect standalone treat, but if you want to create a dessert spread, pair them with vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to lighten up the bite. I often serve them alongside coffee or a rich black tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with whole pecan halves and a scatter of chocolate shavings. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes them adorable gifts or party favors that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, I move them to the fridge to keep the filling intact—just remember to bring to room temp before serving so the filling isn’t too firm.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing them overnight in the fridge and then bringing them to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual bars in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave gently in 20-second bursts. This refreshes the gooey filling without drying out the crust—just keep an eye so they don’t overcook.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, I was instantly hooked—not just because it’s a cinch to make, but because it carries the warmth of homemade pecan pie in such an effortless form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a treat for your own family, I promise these bars will bring smiles and some happy food memories. Go ahead and make these your own—you’ll be glad you did!

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