Irresistible Gooey Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert

Get ready to fall in love with these Gooey Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars! Imagine everything you adore about classic pecan pie – that rich, sticky, nutty filling, and a perfect crust – now elevated with the deep, comforting flavor of semi-sweet chocolate, all transformed into an effortlessly edible bar. These aren’t just a dessert; they’re a revelation, making holiday entertaining easier and sweeter than ever before.

Embracing Tradition with a Delicious Twist

The holidays often bring cherished traditions, especially when it comes to food. For many, Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be complete without certain staples: a perfectly roasted turkey or ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and of course, the beloved pecan pie. Changing up these time-honored recipes can sometimes feel like culinary sacrilege, risking good-natured (or not-so-good-natured) family complaints!

We understand the power of tradition. Here, at our table, the classics are always present. Stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and plenty of gravy are non-negotiable. But what if there’s a way to honor tradition while also introducing something wonderfully new and exciting? What if you could take a classic, make it even better, and surprisingly, make it *easier*?

Why These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Are a Game-Changer

While some main dishes are sacred, dessert often offers a little more room for creative expression. And that’s where these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars shine! While a classic pecan pie is always good, these bars are truly exceptional. They capture all the sweet, gooey, nutty essence of your favorite pecan pie, then elevate it with the irresistible addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The result is a dessert that is both familiar and excitingly new.

Imagine the convenience: no slicing individual pie pieces, no crumbly edges falling apart. Just perfectly portioned bars, easy to pick up and enjoy. They’re ideal for holiday buffets, potlucks, or simply as a treat to share with loved ones without the fuss of a full pie. The chocolate chips melt into the gooey filling during baking, creating pockets of rich, decadent flavor that perfectly complement the toasted pecans. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for a second (or third!) bar.

During our recent holiday gathering, I decided to test these bars alongside a traditional pecan pie. While my classic pie was as delicious as ever, these bars stole the show. There were fingers licked, happy sighs, and not a single crumb left on any plate. It was clear: these Gooey Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars just might replace the traditional pie altogether next year, earning their place as a new, beloved holiday staple.

Crafting the Perfect Pecan Pie Bar: Tips for Success

Making these bars is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The key lies in a few simple steps that ensure a flaky crust and that signature gooey, chocolate-laced pecan filling.

The Crust: A Foundation of Flaky Goodness

The base of these bars is a simple, yet delicious, shortbread-style crust. Using cold, cubed butter is essential here. As you combine it with flour and brown sugar, the cold butter creates tiny pockets in the dough, which translate into a tender, flaky crust when baked. Whether you use a pastry blender for a classic touch or a food processor for speed, the goal is a mixture that resembles coarse cornmeal. Pressing it evenly into your 9×13 inch pan ensures a consistent bake, and a quick pre-bake sets it perfectly for the rich filling to come.

The Gooey Filling: Sweet Harmony with Chocolate

The filling is where the magic truly happens. Eggs, sugar, light corn syrup, a touch of flour and salt, vanilla extract, and melted butter come together to form the sweet, custardy base. The corn syrup is vital for achieving that perfectly gooey, chewy texture that defines a great pecan pie. Stirring in the pecan halves ensures every bite has that delightful crunch. But the real star is the generous layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips, spread over the warm, pre-baked crust just before the pecan filling is added. As the bars bake, these chips melt, creating a delicious, molten chocolate layer that beautifully complements the nutty pecans and sweet filling.

Baking and Cooling for Perfection

The baking process is key to achieving that ideal gooey center without overcooking. Baking initially covered with foil helps the filling set without browning too quickly, then removing the foil for the final duration allows the top to develop a beautiful golden hue. Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling. These bars need ample time to cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up properly, ensuring clean cuts and that desirable, slightly chewy consistency. Resist the urge to cut into them too soon, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect bars every time.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Bars

These chocolate pecan pie bars are fantastic served at room temperature, but a slight warmth can make the chocolate extra melty and delightful. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra special treat. They are perfect for holiday dessert platters, bake sales, or as a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Facebook |
Twitter |
Google+

Pinterest |
instagram

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

For the Filling

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 full cup pecan halves
• 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Using a pastry blender, combine flour, brown sugar and cubed butter until it resembles a cornmeal (this can also be done in a food processor.)
2. Press crust mixture into an ungreased 9×13 pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
3. While crust is baking, beat together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and melted butter. Stir in pecans.
4. Remove crust from oven and spread chocolate chips evenly over warm crust. Spread filling over chocolate chips.
5. Cover with foil and return to oven. Bake for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

More Delightful Holiday Dessert Ideas

If these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars have inspired you to explore more delicious holiday treats, you’re in luck! Here are some amazing recipes from our friends, perfect for your next festive gathering:

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Chocolate Kahlua Pound Cake

Cream Cheese Chocolate Croissant Cookies

We hope these ideas add a sprinkle of extra joy to your holiday season! Happy baking!