“16 Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars That Wow”

Name: "16 Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars That Wow"
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Author: Tessa Bloom

Published: November 23, 2025

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Let me tell you about my go-to dessert when I need something rich, indulgent, and downright irresistible: chocolate pecan pie bars. I stumbled onto this recipe during a holiday baking frenzy a few years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. The combination of gooey chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a buttery crust is pure magic. Trust me, these bars are so good, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “dessert time!”

chocolate pecan pie bars - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These chocolate pecan pie bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:

Easy as pie (but better!) – No rolling dough or fancy techniques here. Just press, sprinkle, pour, and bake!
That perfect texture – Crispy crust, melty chocolate, and crunchy pecans all in one bite. It’s like heaven in bar form.
Rich flavor without the fuss – All the decadence of pecan pie with chocolate’s bonus deliciousness.
Always a hit – I’ve brought these to potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings – they disappear every single time.
Better than store-bought – Fresh-baked goodness beats anything from a box, and honestly? It’s just as easy.

Seriously, once you try these chocolate pecan pie bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re that good!

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need for these dreamy chocolate pecan pie bars – simple ingredients that create something extraordinary:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our buttery crust (no fancy pastry skills required!)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – I always use real butter for that rich flavor
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness for the crust
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances all those sweet flavors perfectly
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – Melts into gooey perfection (but dark chocolate works too if you’re feeling fancy)
1 cup chopped pecans – Toast them first for extra nutty flavor if you’ve got time
1/2 cup light corn syrup – The secret to that classic pecan pie texture. For more on corn syrup’s role in baking, check out King Arthur Baking’s guide.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds depth to the filling
2 large eggs – Room temperature works best for smooth mixing
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference

See? Nothing too crazy – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make pure magic. Now let’s get baking!

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Okay, let’s dive into making these heavenly chocolate pecan pie bars! Don’t worry – it’s way easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dessert magic in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a medium bowl and mix together the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. I like to use my hands – it’s messy but satisfying! Press this mixture firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges just start to brown.

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Step 2: Add Chocolate and Pecans

Now for the fun part! Sprinkle those chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust – they’ll start melting slightly, which is exactly what we want. Next, scatter the chopped pecans across the top. Try to distribute them evenly so every bite gets that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Carefully pour this over the chocolate and pecans – it’ll seep down into all the nooks and crannies. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set (no jiggling in the center!). Here’s my trick: the edges should be slightly puffed and golden brown. Let it cool completely before cutting – I know it’s hard to wait, but this step prevents crumbling!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

After making these chocolate pecan pie bars more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make them absolutely perfect every single time:

Toast those pecans! Just 5-7 minutes in a 350°F oven brings out their nutty flavor and adds amazing crunch.
Use dark chocolate if you want something extra rich – I love the contrast with the sweet filling.
Line your pan with parchment with overhanging edges – makes removing and cutting the bars SO much easier.
Let them cool completely before slicing – I know it’s tempting, but patience gives you clean cuts!
Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty finishing touch.

These little tweaks take these already-amazing bars to the next level. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Variations for Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

One of my favorite things about these chocolate pecan pie bars is how easily you can mix them up! Here are some fun twists I’ve tried (and loved):

Nut swaps: Walnuts work beautifully if you’re out of pecans, and almonds add a lovely crunch.
Chocolate choices: Try milk chocolate for extra sweetness or white chocolate for contrast – or go wild with a mix!
Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the filling adds warm depth.
Salty surprise: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-salty combo.

The possibilities are endless – make them your own!

Serving and Storing Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Now for the best part – enjoying your chocolate pecan pie bars! I love serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The contrast of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is absolutely dreamy. For parties, I cut them into smaller squares – they’re rich, so a little goes a long way!

Store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The crust stays surprisingly crisp, though I won’t judge if you “accidentally” eat them all in one sitting. You can also freeze them for up to a month – just thaw at room temperature when those chocolate cravings hit!

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Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional info per bar (remember, values may vary depending on your specific ingredients): Calories: 220, Fat: 12g, Carbs: 26g, Sugar: 15g, Protein: 3g. Enjoy in moderation – though I won’t blame you if you can’t stop at just one!

FAQ About Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

I get asked about these chocolate pecan pie bars all the time! Here are answers to the most common questions:

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Absolutely! Honey works great – just know it’ll give a slightly different flavor. Maple syrup is another tasty option that adds wonderful depth. For more on baking substitutions, see Food Network’s guide.

How do I freeze these bars?
They freeze beautifully! Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They’ll keep for about a month. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

My filling didn’t set – what went wrong?
Don’t panic! This usually means they needed more baking time. Pop them back in the oven for 5-10 minutes. The center should be just slightly jiggly when you take them out – it’ll firm up as it cools.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. I’ve had great results with cup-for-cup replacements – just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum. For tips on gluten-free baking, consult Celiac.org.

Why toast the pecans?
Toasting brings out their natural oils and makes them extra crunchy and flavorful. It’s worth those extra few minutes, promise!

Share Your Feedback

I’d love to hear how your chocolate pecan pie bars turned out! Drop me a comment below or share your baking adventures – happy baking, friends!