These easy and delicious pecan pie bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, nutty filling for a perfect bite-sized treat.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so today I'm sharing this recipe for these easy, delicious Pecan Pie Bars. They combine the best of traditional pecan pie with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, nutty filling for a perfect, easy-to-make holiday dessert.

Imagine all the indulgence of pecan pie, but in a super simple, fuss-free recipe AND a handheld form that’s easier to make AND enjoy -- almost like a pecan pie cookie!

With a gooey, caramelized filling and a thick, crumbly crust you simply press into the pan, these bars are a go-to for any pecan lover.

Perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table, any holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty snack, these bars can be cut into regular bars, or a smaller, irresistible version, ideal for one or two bites.

Another thing that I love about this recipe is that, unlike a traditional pie, you can slice these bars and enjoy your first taste right away—or, if you’re like me, sneak a few nibbles around the edges (no one will even notice!).

And one more thing I love about this recipe—these pecan pie bars are made from scratch without using any corn syrup! They offer all the sweet, gooey goodness of a traditional pecan pie, minus the high-fructose sweeteners. A hint of orange zest and a dash of cinnamon (if you wish to add!), add a festive warmth that makes your kitchen smell like the holidays.

Topped with golden, toasted pecans and a flaky, buttery crust, these bars are everything a pecan pie should be—rich, nutty, and delightfully easy. Just writing this has me craving a few more bites!

Here are a few recommendation when making this recipe:

Pan choice: For this recipe I'm using this square pan from Amazon with removable bottom. To protect the pan and for easy lifting and cutting, I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper; once cooled, just transfer to a cutting board and slice into neat squares, ready for sharing.

Which pecans to buy:

You can use either chopped pecans or pecan halves (and coarsely chop them), whichever is more affordable works,

How to store

Place the bars in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep the bars for up to a week, refrigerate them in an airtight container. They’ll hold their texture and flavor well when chilled.

If needed you can also freeze by wrapping the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents freezer burn and helps keep their flavor fresh. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.