Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love the irresistible combination of rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and that perfect hint of salt, then this Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how these bars blend the gooey, nutty filling with a crisp buttery crust — it’s like the best parts of pecan pie and chocolate fudge all wrapped into one handheld treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe plays a key role: the buttery crust forms the perfect base, the filling is a luscious balance of sweet and salty, and the pecans add crunch and flavor. I like to use high-quality dark chocolate here — it truly elevates the bars.

• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing and a rich, tender crust.
• Brown Sugar: Gives a warm, caramel note to both crust and filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Make sure it’s fresh for the best texture in your crust.
• Salt: Just the right amount to balance sweetness and highlight flavors.
• Large Eggs: They bind the filling and provide structure but keep it gooey.
• Light Corn Syrup: Helps create that classic pecan pie texture without graininess.
• Bourbon: Adds a warm, subtle complexity — feel free to omit if preferred.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• High-Quality Dark Chocolate: That rich, bittersweet chocolate contrasts beautifully with the nuts and syrupy filling.
• Unsalted Pecans: Coarsely chopped for the perfect bite-sized crunch.
• Flaked Sea Salt: The golden touch on top that makes this pie bar unforgettable.

Variations

I love how versatile this salted chocolate pecan pie bars recipe is — you can tweak it to match your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, swapping bourbon for rum brings a whole new twist that my family enjoys, especially around the holidays.

• No Bourbon: When kids are around, I simply double the vanilla and skip the bourbon — the flavor is still rich and satisfying.
• Nut Mix: Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or mix both for an extra nutty punch.
• Chocolate Varieties: Using milk chocolate or a blend of milk and dark can make the bars sweeter and creamier if you prefer.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top before sprinkling sea salt for a decadent upgrade.

How to Make Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Perfect Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with foil or parchment — this makes cleanup a breeze, and you’ll be able to lift the bars right out once cooled. Using your mixer, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs and begins to come together like dough. This buttery crust is the foundation for those luscious filling layers, so press it evenly into your pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes — this helps the filling not to sink and keeps your bars sturdy.

Step 2: Whisk Up That Gooey Filling

While the crust is cooling, whisk together your eggs, light corn syrup, and brown sugar until everything is silky smooth. I like to really whisk thoroughly here because it helps give the filling a nice rise and a glossy finish. Then, add in the bourbon and vanilla extract for that deep, warm flavor. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate and pecans gently — this is the part where the magic happens, combining gooey, chocolaty richness with nutty crunch. Pour this decadent filling over your cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake and Sprinkle the Salt

Bake your bars for 30 to 40 minutes at 350°F, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly — I’ve noticed mine usually take closer to 40 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. The filling will firm up more as it cools. Right out of the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt on top; this little bit of saltiness beautifully cuts through the sweetness and highlights all the flavors. Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Personally, I love refrigerating them to make cutting cleaner and serving them chilled, but they’re also fantastic at room temperature.

How to Serve Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple with this dessert. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra sea salt flakes on top adds a nice touch. Occasionally, I’ll drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their richness. They also shine alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for afternoon treats or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a festive platter with fresh pecan halves and mini chocolate chips scattered around. You could even serve them in decorative cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep really well! I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, and chilling actually helps deepen their flavors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars several times without sacrificing quality. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last about 2 months in the freezer and thaw nicely overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

If you like them warm, just pop the bars in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes after thawing to bring back that fresh-baked warmth without drying them out. Or, heat individual pieces for 15 seconds in the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe has become a true comfort favorite in my kitchen — it’s the perfect blend of rich, crunchy, sweet, and salty that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert or a casual weekend treat, these bars won’t disappoint. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in your kitchen, and enjoy making this crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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