Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

When fall hits I get a real craving for a pecan pie! A chocolate pecan pie, to be exact.

Not wanting to fool with a pie crust, I tried this bar recipe hoping it would help with my pecan pie craving. Oh my goodness, this is stiff competion for my favortie pie. I really had no idea that they would be this impressive...

They could quite possibly be one of my favorite desserts, ever!



For starters, just look at that cookie crust. It is much better than a pie crust in my book. I also liked that it had all of the flavor of the pie, but it wasn't too gooey. Sometimes I feel like the crust to filling ratio is off in a pecan pie. The cookie crust really solved that problem.

I added chocolate chips for good measure. They would be good without them, but really...don't skip them!

These were so good that I had to send them to work with Daniel. If I didn't, I could have eaten them all. I guess it is nice to spread the love sometimes! Plus he came back and said they got rave reviews...


Crust:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz.) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg

Filling:
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips


Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir all of the crust ingredients until dough is formed. Press dough into bottom of the pan using floured fingers. Bake 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir all pecan filling ingredients until well blended. Pour over hot crust.

Bake 15 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely, about two hours. Cut into 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 36 bars

Slightly adapted from:
Betty Crocker

This post is linked to WFMW at www.wearethatfamily.com and URS at www.lifeasmom.com

16 comments:

Heather said...

I'm too lazy to make an actual pecan pie, but these, I must try! What a fabulous idea and easy way to enjoy pecans.

I'm in the pecan mood anyways, having just made apple pecan tenderloin medallions.

LouAnneL said...

These look amazing! I'm going to put it on my Thanksgiving shopping list. We're hosting my large family this year, so I'm looking for something sweet for folks to grab which doesn't involve a lot of dishes! I'm going with these and pumpkin bars. :-) Thank you!!

Tightwad Mom said...

Oh my goodness, I love pecan pie! This recipe looks so yummy,and no need to roll out crust. It's a win win for sure!

Katie said...

Heather,

Pie crusts are like my most dreaded thing to make in the kitchen. SO...any way to avoid it makes me happy.

BTW, your apple pecan tenderloin sounds wonderful...

Katie said...

LouAnne,

Having finger type desserts is the way to go with a large crowd. I think they will go over big.
Also, if you don't have a pumpkin bar recipe already, check out the one I have posted. It is Paula Deen's and is wonderful!

Katie said...

Tightwad Mom,

No crust rolling...the best part!!!

Kimi said...

Oh these look so good. I just need the pecans!! I am so making these. Perhaps before hubby's next fire shift so I can send all but a couple in with him so I don't eat them all. I LOVE pecan pie but hate making crust!! *goes off to print yet another Katie recipe!!*

Katie said...

Kimi,

Sending them to the fire house with your hubby is a fantastic idea!!! I seriously would have had the whole pan gone in a day...a little here and a little there...but it sure adds up to a whole lot on my thighs...

Bitterroot Mama said...

These look great! My husband loves pecan pie and this looks easier than making a full-on pie. Thanks for sharing.

Katie said...

Bitterroot Mama,

It is so much easier...I hope you like them!

Jackie said...

My mother has a pecan tree, but it didn't make this year. About a week ago,,she experimented with a recipe very similiar to this one using walnut pieces. It was just as tasty! Your picture make me drool!lol!

Katie said...

Jackie,

What a great idea...I will have to try it with walnuts! Thanks for the idea!

Mom said...

I can;t wait to try this recipe....I love pecan pie! Whar a great dessert to have around the holidays.

Christie said...

I just made these on Thursday...and again Sunday :) The first time, I did 1/2 Karo instead of all brown sugar. That was better than when I did all brown sugar on Sunday. I also used premade dough on Thursday, and they were yummy. And even easier. :) I didn't try the chocolate chips, though--might do that next time!

Katie said...

Mommy,

Call me when you make these, I will come right over :)

After all...you told that oven fixer mousey man you LOVE to bake! Get to it, girl!!!

Katie said...

Christie,

I love the idea of premade dough...even easier. I have one more sugar cookie pouch in the basement that needs to be used. After that I will be buying premade!

You need to try the choc chips! Everything is better with chocolate...or at least that is my motto!

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