Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars – Looking for the perfect dessert? To satisfy your sweet tooth? This Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. Is a true crowd-pleaser! It combines a buttery yellow cake crust. With a rich, gooey pecan filling. Topped with a sweet caramel-like sauce. Made from brown sugar, honey, and cream. These bars are soft, chewy, and decadent—perfect for any occasion.
The first time I made these pecan pie bars. Was for a holiday gathering. With my family. I wanted something a little different. From the traditional pecan pie. But still packed with that gooey, nutty flavor. We all love. The bars were a hit! My husband couldn’t stop raving about them. And my kids even asked for seconds (and thirds!). Since then, this recipe has become a family favorite. That I pull out. Whenever we’re in the mood. For something rich. And indulgent.
What makes this Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars truly special?
What sets this recipe apart? Is the balance between a soft, cake-like crust. And the rich, gooey pecan topping. The use of honey in the caramel sauce. Adds a natural sweetness. That complements the toasted pecans beautifully. The three layers come together. To create a dessert. That’s simple to make. But tastes like it took hours in the kitchen. Plus, these bars are versatile enough. To be served for holiday dinners, and potlucks. Or even just a sweet treat at home.
What You Need To Make This Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe?
Pillsbury Yellow Cake Mix: This serves as the base for the bars. Creating a buttery crust. That holds all the gooey goodness. You could use any brand. But Pillsbury’s moist deluxe mix. Gives the perfect texture.
Butter: It adds richness to both the crust. And the caramel layer. Make sure to use real butter here. For the best flavor—no substitutes!
Pecan Halves: They provide that crunchy texture. That balances out the softness of the gooey layers. Using halves ensures you get a lovely nutty bite. In every bar.
Brown & White Sugar: The mix of sugars creates a rich caramel flavor. For the topping. The brown sugar adds depth. While the white sugar. Keeps things sweet and light.
Honey: This adds a wonderful floral sweetness. And helps to create the thick, gooey caramel layer. That sets these bars apart. From traditional pecan pie.
Cream: Adding cream to the caramel mixture. Gives it that velvety, rich consistency. We all love. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the bars so luscious.
Steps To Make Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars:
Step 1: Prepare the crust: Grease a 9×13 pan. And preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl. Cut the butter. Into the cake mix. Until it forms a crumbly texture. Pat this mixture. Evenly into the bottom. Of the greased pan. Creating the first layer of the bars.
Step 2: Add the pecans: Spread the pecan halves. Evenly over the crust. This creates the second layer. Adding that signature crunch. To the bars.
Step 3: Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan. Over medium heat. Combine the brown sugar and white sugar. Honey, and butter. Stir occasionally. Until the mixture. Comes to a boil. Let it boil. For about 3 minutes. Then remove from heat. And stir in the cream. The sauce should thicken slightly. And turn a golden caramel color.
Step 4: Pour and bake: Carefully pour the caramel sauce. Over the pecans. Making sure to coat them evenly. Place the pan. In the oven. And bake for 17-22 minutes. Or until the topping is bubbly. And golden.
Step 5: Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely. Before cutting them. Into squares. This will ensure. The gooey filling sets properly. Serve. And enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness!
Tip:
To elevate the flavor of your Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars. Lightly toast the pecans. Before adding them to the crust. Toasting the nuts brings out their natural oils. Enhancing their crunch. And giving the bars. An even deeper, nutty flavor. Be sure to let the caramel mixture cool slightly. Before pouring over the pecans. To prevent them. From becoming too soft. For clean-cut bars. Chill them in the fridge before slicing. Which will give you neat edges. And help the layers hold together better.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these bars a day ahead. And store them. In an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and gooey. For up to three days.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you’re out of honey. You can substitute maple syrup. Or light corn syrup. For a similar consistency and sweetness.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Just cut them into squares. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap. And store them in a freezer-safe container. For up to two months. Let them thaw. At room temperature before serving.
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Rich Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
First Layer:
- 1 18 oz box yellow cake mix
- 1/4 c butter no substitutes
Second Layer:
- 4 c pecan halves
Third Layer:
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1/2 c granulated sugar
- 1/2 c honey
- 1 c butter
- 1/4 c cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. And grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. To prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl. Cut the butter. Into the cake mix. Until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly. Into the bottom of your greased pan. To form the crust.
- Spread the pecan halves evenly. Over the top of the crust layer. Ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- In a medium saucepan. Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, honey, and butter. Cook over medium heat. Stirring occasionally. Until the mixture. Begins to boil. Let it boil. For about 3 minutes. To thicken and caramelize.
- Remove the saucepan. From the heat. Stir in the cream. And mix until smooth.
- Carefully pour this hot caramel mixture. Over the pecan halves. Spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven. For 17-22 minutes. Or until the filling is bubbly. And the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the bars. To cool completely. In the pan. Before slicing them. Into squares for serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
