There’s something about Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars that just tugs at my heartstrings! Growing up, my mom would whip up a batch every Thanksgiving, and the heavenly scent of chocolate and pecans would waft through the house, creating a cozy feeling that I can still recall today. It was always a moment of communal joy, gathered around the table with family as we waited for the dessert bar to be served, eagerly passing the plate until everyone had their share. These bars were the star of the dessert table—rich, gooey, and absolutely irresistible!
When I make these today, I’m often reminded of our holiday gatherings, the laughter, and even the occasional food fight over who got the biggest piece (sorry, Aunt Linda!). They’re also a perfect treat to bring to parties, serve at a bake sale or simply enjoy at home with a cup of coffee. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also simple to make, which is always a bonus in my busy kitchen. So let’s dive into how you can whip up these delightful bars!
What’s in Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars?
Crust: The base is made with buttery, crumbled graham crackers—a nod to classic pecan pie. They provide a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the gooey filling. I love using the Honey Maid graham cracker brand for that ideal balance of sweetness and texture.
Pecans: These nuts are the stars of the show! Toasting them enhances their natural flavor and gives a delightful crunch. I prefer to use pecan halves for a rustic look, but chopped pecans work too if you want to mix it up.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips create that decadent chocolatey layer that makes these bars irresistible. I’ve found that Ghirardelli chips have the best melt and flavor profile, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling, creating that classic pecan pie taste we all know and love. Brown sugar is essential in achieving that gooey texture.
Eggs: They act as a binder, bringing everything together, while helping create that beautifully rich, custardy filling. I always use large eggs for baking!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the filling. I swear by pure vanilla extract—just a little goes a long way!
Is Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—these are dessert bars, so moderation is key!
Pecans: On the positive side, pecans are high in healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. They’ve got that buttery richness that makes these bars special!
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate can offer some health benefits, like antioxidants. Just remember, the richer the chocolate, the fewer sugars you may want in your diet overall.
Brown Sugar: While it adds sweetness, it’s still sugar—so it’s best to think of these bars as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
Enjoying a small piece now and then can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your wellness goals. Balance is everything, right?
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
*Servings: 12 bars*
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until mixed well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Stir in the toasted pecans and chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the mixture.
6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. The top may look a bit puffed but will sink as it cools.
8. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into bars.
Your Go-To Tips for the Best Bars!
– For a little extra magic, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
– If you love a stronger chocolate flavor, feel free to swap out some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate.
– These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days (if they last that long!).
I can’t stress enough how delicious these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are—they’re the kind of treat that make you a hero in the kitchen! Try them out and let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear your personal twists or any stories that come along with them. Happy baking!