Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie is one of the best Thanksgiving desserts you can bring to the holiday feast. But, if you're no pro pie baker, baking a one for a big crowd might sound intimidating. Thankfully, these pie bars are here to help. With a brown butter press-in shortbread crust, they're significantly easier to make (no chilling, rolling, or crimping required), yet this pecan recipe sacrifices none of the gooey, rich flavor found in the classic pie. Pack these up and carry them along to the Thanksgiving potluck this year!

Want to shake up tradition? Try these twists:

—Swap in maple syrup for the corn syrup or go half and half with corn syrup and honey.

—Add 3/4 teaspoon of your favorite baking spice (like cinnamon) to the flour for the crust.

—Stir 1/2 cup chocolate chunks into the filling with the pecans.

—Swap the pecans for equal amounts of walnut halves or cashews or 3 1/2 cups of blanched peanuts.

What's in the pecan pie bar filling?

It's made of mostly pantry staples like butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and pecans. When it's baked, it thickens and has the most wonderful rich, buttery flavor.

Why do you brown the butter for the crust?

Browned butter takes the crust from good to great because it has a much deeper, richer, more complex flavor than simple melted butter. By browning it, you toast the milk solids which results in butter that tastes nutty and slightly caramelized. It makes all the difference!

Are pecan halves or pieces better for pecan pie bars?

Ree Drummond is a big fan of using chopped pecans for her classic pecan pie. You can use either. Pecan halves make a beautiful presentation, but you can also chop them up if you prefer. Just be sure to measure out the three cups of pecan halves before chopping them.

Should pecan pie bars be refrigerated?

Yes! Any egg-rich pie such as pecan pie should be refrigerated and pecan pie bars follow suit. Wait until the bars cools to room temperature, then pop 'em in the fridge. For the best taste, pull the bars out of the fridge with enough time to take the chill off before serving. These bars will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can you freeze pecan pie bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Let the bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How do you keep pecan pie bars from getting soggy?

The key is to parbake the crust. Pecan pie filling is very wet and can cause the crust to become soggy if it's not baked first. This recipe calls for baking the crust for 15 minutes before you add the filling.

Should pecan pie bars be gooey in the middle?

Ask most pecan pie enthusiasts and the answer will is yes, but only to an extent. When sliced, it shouldn't weep and spill out onto the plate. This is especially important when dealing with bars, which are often handheld. After the bars have cooled completely, refrigerate them until chilled to make them easier to slice. Let them come back to room temperature before serving.