Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

When fall rolls around and baking season begins, nothing feels quite as cozy as the warm aroma of pecan pie. But let’s be honest — sometimes we don’t want to fuss with rolling out pie dough or serving slices. That’s where these Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars come in. They offer all the gooey, nutty, chocolaty goodness of traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite in our family. I remember the first time I brought them to Thanksgiving — they disappeared faster than the pumpkin pie! Now I make them for cookie swaps, potlucks, bake sales, and anytime I need a sweet treat that travels well and pleases a crowd. They’re simple, reliable, and indulgent in all the right ways.

The buttery shortbread crust, sweet and sticky pecan filling, and melty chocolate chips make each bite feel like a celebration. Plus, they slice cleanly, look impressive on a dessert tray, and store beautifully. You’ll love how quickly these bars come together — no pie crust fuss, just rich, layered flavor that screams homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars

• Easy to make — no pie crust or fancy tools needed.
• Feeds a crowd — makes 24 hearty bars, perfect for gatherings.
• Perfect texture — a crisp, buttery shortbread base with gooey pecan pie filling.
• Great for holidays or gifting — they hold up well and are easy to transport.
• Loaded with chocolate chips — a fun, indulgent twist on a Southern classic.
• Make-ahead friendly — bake, chill, and slice whenever you're ready.
• Freezer-friendly — great to stash away for future cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened — for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base.
• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed — adds depth and molasses richness.
• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour — forms the sturdy base layer.
• ½ teaspoon salt — enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs — binds everything together and sets the filling.
• 1 ½ cups light corn syrup — the classic pecan pie gooey texture.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar — for a sweet, candy-like finish.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted — adds smooth richness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract — brings warm, aromatic flavor.
• 2 cups chopped pecans — use toasted for more flavor.
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips — or mix with dark chocolate for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C): Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough is crumbly and just combined.
3. Bake the crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
4. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Add pecans and chocolate chips: Stir the chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the filling until evenly distributed.
6. Assemble: Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly.
7. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbling. The edges should be firm, and the middle should not jiggle when gently shaken.
8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature for 1–2 hours, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour for easier slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once fully cooled and chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp or serrated knife to slice into squares or rectangles, wiping between cuts for neat edges.

Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They’re delicious with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to help the filling mix more evenly.
• Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling — it helps the bars firm up and makes cutting easier.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-savory combo.
• Try different chips: White chocolate or butterscotch chips can add variety.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
   Yes! Dark corn syrup will give a richer, slightly molasses-like taste that pairs well with chocolate and pecans.
2. Do these bars freeze well?
   Absolutely! Wrap each bar in plastic and store in a sealed container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make these without chocolate chips?
   Yes, just omit the chips for a more traditional pecan pie flavor.
4. Why do I need to refrigerate before cutting?
   Chilling sets the filling and allows for clean slices that hold their shape.
5. Can I substitute walnuts or almonds?
   Yes, walnuts are a great substitute. Almonds will add a different texture but still work well.
6. How can I dress these up for a party?
   Drizzle with melted chocolate, top with whipped cream, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars bring the nostalgic comfort of a holiday pie into a fuss-free, shareable dessert. Rich, gooey, and packed with nuts and chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Best of all, they’re simple enough for a weekday bake but impressive enough for any celebration.

Bake a batch for your next get-together or freeze a few for a cozy treat on a rainy day. However you enjoy them, don’t forget to snap a pic and share — I love seeing your delicious creations!

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