Description: These Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic pecan pie, offering the same rich, nutty flavor with the added indulgence of chocolate chips and a convenient bar format. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, sharing with friends and family, or bringing to potlucks and gatherings. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the buttery, crumbly crust to the gooey, pecan-studded filling.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. For easier removal and cleaner cuts, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating a tender and flavorful crust. Use an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer) for best results, beating the butter and sugar for about 3-5 minutes until well combined.
Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Step 4: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into the pan, ensuring a uniform thickness. A uniform crust will bake evenly and provide a solid base for the filling.
Step 5: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. This par-baking process helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy when the filling is added. Keep a close eye on the crust while it bakes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The corn syrup is essential for creating the characteristic gooey texture of pecan pie filling. The melted butter adds richness and flavor, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness.
Step 7: Stir in the chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling mixture. Ensure that the pecans and chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 8: Once the crust is par-baked, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the pecan and chocolate chip filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly to the edges of the pan.
Step 9: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set. The filling should be slightly firm to the touch, and the edges should be golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 10: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Cooling the bars completely is crucial for allowing the filling to set and making them easier to cut. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the overhang and transfer them to a cutting board for easier slicing.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are irresistible for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
- Perfectly Portable: The bar format makes them ideal for parties, picnics, and on-the-go snacking. No forks required!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of buttery crust, gooey pecan pie filling, and melty chocolate chips is a surefire hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by using different types of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate) or adding other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
- A Delicious Twist on a Classic: This recipe offers a fun and exciting twist on traditional pecan pie, making it a unique and memorable dessert.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Presentation: Good
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bars at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Cut into small squares for a bite-sized dessert option.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake the bars, as this can make the filling dry and crumbly.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a deeper pecan flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per bar, approximate)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg (estimated, varies with salt content of ingredients)
Conclusion:
These Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the rich, nutty, chocolatey goodness of these delightful bars!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?
- Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for pecan pie, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites. The key is to chop them to a similar size as the pecans to ensure even distribution in the filling. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on the nut you choose.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, they often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- What if I don’t have light corn syrup? Can I substitute something else?
- Light corn syrup contributes to the gooey texture of the filling, but you can try substituting it with honey or golden syrup in a pinch. However, be aware that these substitutes will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars. The filling may not be quite as glossy or as sticky.
- My crust is getting too brown while the filling is still not set. What should I do?
- If you notice that the crust is browning too quickly before the filling is set, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil. This will help to deflect some of the heat and prevent the crust from burning, while still allowing the filling to bake through. Be sure to remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the filling to get a nice golden-brown color.
- Can I use a different size pan?
- While a 9×13 inch pan is ideal for this recipe, you can adapt it to a different size pan if needed. However, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. For example, if you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
