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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ¼ teaspoon sea salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - ¾ cup light corn syrup - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips To make these bars, gather all the ingredients first. I find it helps to have everything ready. Start with the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and sea salt in a big bowl. This mix gives the bars a great texture and rich flavor. Next, we move on to the wet ingredients. Melt your butter and let it cool a bit. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, one egg, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness to the bars. Finally, let’s talk about the add-ins. The pecans add a nice crunch, and the chocolate chips bring a sweet touch. You can chop the pecans roughly, but make sure they are not too small. This way, you get a delightful bite in every bar! By using these ingredients, you set yourself up for a tasty treat. Each component plays its part well. I promise, these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars will be a hit! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. I always use a thermometer to check the temperature. A properly heated oven makes a big difference. Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ¼ teaspoon salt Then, add the wet ingredients. Pour in: - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Now, press the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your fingers to spread it evenly. In another bowl, whisk together the filling ingredients. Combine: - ¾ cup light corn syrup - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon sea salt Make sure it is well mixed. Next, fold in the pecans and chocolate chips. This step adds crunch and sweetness. You should have a nice, thick mixture. Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Spread it out evenly. This helps every bite taste great. Now return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes. The filling should be set with slightly puffed edges. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the bars firm up. After they cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut them into squares or rectangles. I like to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. To ensure even baking, spread the dough evenly in the pan. Press it down firmly to create a flat layer. This helps the bars bake uniformly. To test for doneness, gently shake the pan. If the filling jiggles slightly in the center, it is still not ready. The edges should be set and slightly puffed. The filling will firm as it cools. For serving, place the bars on a beautiful platter. Dust them with powdered sugar for a nice touch. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds creaminess and makes each bite more special. For garnishing, consider adding whipped cream or fresh berries. These give a pop of color and freshness. One common mistake is overbaking the bars. This can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on the time and check for doneness early. Another mistake is incorrect measurements. Use precise measuring tools for best results. Even a small difference can change the texture and taste. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer base, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and pecans are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your bars. Perfectly Set Filling: To know if the filling is set, it should have a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm up as it cools. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix in other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for a unique twist on the classic pecan flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap pecans with other nuts for a new taste. - Walnuts: They add a nice crunch and a rich flavor. Try using chopped walnuts in place of pecans. - Almonds: Sliced or chopped almonds give a light flavor and a bit of crunch. They mix well with chocolate. The type of chocolate can change the flavor of your bars. - Dark chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a more intense taste. It pairs well with the sweetness of the filling. - Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate makes the bars sweeter and creamier. It’s a great choice for those who love a milder flavor. Adding extra flavors can make your bars unique and exciting. - Adding spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth. Just a little can go a long way. - Infusing with espresso or coffee: Adding espresso or coffee enhances the chocolate. It gives the bars a rich and bold flavor that many love. Store your Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps them stay fresh and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the fridge. They will last for about a week this way. If you want to save them for later, freezing is the best choice. Cut the bars into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy them again, just take out the bars and let them thaw. You can leave them at room temperature for a few hours. If you want a warm treat, pop them in the oven at a low temperature. This will make them soft and gooey again. Enjoy your delicious bars! Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Look for a blend that works well in baking. This swap keeps the texture similar and still allows for that chewy crust. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources. You can tell when the bars are done by looking at the edges. They should look slightly puffed and firm. The center must be set but still a little jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. This means your filling is perfectly baked. If you need a corn syrup substitute, try using honey or maple syrup. Both options add a nice flavor. You can also use agave syrup as another alternative. Just remember, these substitutes may change the texture slightly. Adjust cooking times if needed for the best results. This blog shared a simple recipe for delicious chocolate pecan bars. You learned about the key dry and wet ingredients, as well as fun add-ins. The step-by-step instructions guided you through preparation and baking. Helpful tips helped avoid common mistakes and improve presentation. Finally, we discussed storage methods and variations to personalize your bars. Now, you can create tasty treats for any occasion. Enjoy baking!

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Delicious chocolate pecan pie bars with a rich filling and a chocolatey crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cups pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.75 cups light corn syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.
  • Spread the dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the filling mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly to cover the base.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and edges are slightly puffed.
  • Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Serve the bars on a beautiful platter, and dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Keyword bars, chocolate, dessert, pecan