Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars (Great Holiday Recipe!)

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars: Buttery crust, gooey pecan-chocolate filling, easy to make, perfect for holidays or anytime treats!

The holidays are a time for indulgence, celebration, and, of course, delicious desserts. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat to share, look no further than these amazing chocolate pecan bars. This decadent dessert combines the buttery richness of a shortbread crust with the gooey sweetness of pecan pie, made even more indulgent with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. These bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in with loved ones.

What makes these bars extra special is their balance of textures and flavors. The crumbly, buttery crust supports a sweet and crunchy filling of pecans and chocolate, no doubt making these your new favorite dessert recipe. Perfect for the holiday season or as a gift for your neighbors, these bars are sure to earn a permanent spot in your holiday baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Credit to Martha Stewart Living for the recipe inspo!

Why You’ll Love this Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Irresistible Combination of Flavors: These bars blend the nutty richness of pecans with the sweet decadence of chocolate, and slightly savory crust.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas parties, these bars are a hit at any gathering.
Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip up these delicious bars with minimal fuss.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, chocolate varieties, or even add a hint of cinnamon or vanilla for a festive twist.
Great Make-Ahead Dessert: These bars taste even better the next day, making them ideal for pre-holiday prep.

Ingredients in these Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bars:

Butter: Butter serves as the base for the shortbread crust and creates a golden brown color.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the crust a hint of molasses flavor and helps it bind together.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder for the filling, giving it a custard-like texture.
Light Corn Syrup: This classic pecan pie ingredient ensures the filling is gooey and sweet.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty chocolate pieces elevate this dessert to the next level.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the show, pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor, not to mention healthy fats and some protein.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

Prepare Your Pan: Pre heat oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix with a hand mixer until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Press and Bake the Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into your prepared pan, and press dough evenly across the bottom to create and even layer pie crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans until evenly distributed.
Add the Filling and Bake: Pour the pecan pie filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment or foil, and cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

How to Store the Recipe

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For extended freshness, keep the bars in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they’re in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Making these Cookie Bars

Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper or foil makes removing the bars and cleaning up a breeze.
Chop Pecans Evenly: For a uniform texture, chop the pecans into small, even pieces.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the filling; it should be set but still slightly soft. Overbaking can make the bars too firm.
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate chips and fresh pecans make a noticeable difference in flavor. For an elevated flavor swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate chips
Cool Completely: Patience pays off! Let the bars cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges. You can also chill the bars slightly before cutting.

How far in advance can I make these?

These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Their flavor actually deepens with time.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free version.

Can I substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup?

While it’s possible, the texture of the filling may change slightly. Maple syrup can make the filling less firm but will add a lovely flavor.