Southern Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Butter Pecan Cake Bars are a rich, buttery dessert featuring a tender, slightly crumbly base topped by a caramel-flavored layer of toasted pecans.

The taste is sweet and nutty, with the toasted pecans adding a deep, buttery flavor that complements the soft crust. The specialty lies in the gooey pecan topping that melts slightly into the base, creating a luscious texture.

Pecans enhance the flavor and add a crunchy contrast. Inspired by classic Southern pecan desserts, especially pecan pie, these bars provide the traditional taste in an easy-to-serve, baked form.

Now, I will guide the steps to make Butter Pecan Cake Bars.

Why My Recipe Works

This recipe works because it balances textures and flavors carefully. The buttery crust provides a sturdy yet tender base that holds the rich pecan topping without becoming soggy.

Toasting the pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor, which blends beautifully with the caramel-like sweetness from the brown sugar and butter mixture.

The proportions of sugar, butter, and cream in the filling create a gooey consistency that sets just enough during baking, ensuring the bars hold together when cut.

Simple ingredients and clear steps ensure consistent results, making every batch reliably flavorful and textured.

How To Prepare Butter Pecan Cake Bars?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16 bars

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Knife for chopping pecans
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the butter pecan filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

How To Make Butter Pecan Cake Bars

1. Prepare the crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

2. Toast the pecans:

While the crust is baking, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.

3. Make the butter pecan filling:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans.

4. Assemble the bars:

Pour the butter pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it with a spatula to cover all areas.

5. Bake and cool:

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and slightly set. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Nutrition Facts Of Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butter Pecan Cake Bars offer a rich, buttery flavor that delights the palate. The soft, tender base supports a gooey layer of caramelized pecans, creating a contrast of textures that feels luxurious.

Toasted pecans bring a deep, nutty taste that enhances the sweetness of the topping. Bars hold their shape well, making them easy to serve and share.

The recipe captures the essence of classic Southern pecan desserts in a convenient form, providing a comforting, indulgent treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Health Benefits

Butter Pecan Cake Bars are a treat that also offers small nutritional advantages through their ingredients.

Pecans are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health, and provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc.

These nutrients help with energy production and maintaining healthy bones and immune function. The moderate use of butter adds essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which support overall health.

Serving Suggestions For Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Butter Pecan Cake Bars can be enjoyed as a delightful treat on their own or alongside fresh fruit such as berries or slices of apple to balance sweetness.

Serving them at room temperature allows the crust to remain tender while the pecan topping stays rich and flavorful.

These bars complement beverages like coffee, tea, or milk, making them enjoyable for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

They can also be arranged on a dessert platter for gatherings, offering a visually appealing and indulgent option that satisfies a sweet craving.

What To Serve Butter Pecan Cake Bars With

Butter Pecan Cake Bars pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that complement their rich, nutty flavor. A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream adds a creamy, cold contrast to the warm, buttery bars.

Whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce enhances the sweetness without overwhelming it. Fresh berries or sliced bananas provide a light, fruity balance.

For drinks, a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea complements the buttery pecan notes beautifully. These bars can also be served as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, or other nut-based treats.

Top Baking Tips

1. Softened butter mixes more evenly with sugar and flour, creating a tender, crumbly base. Cold butter can result in uneven texture, while melted butter can make the crust too dense.

2. Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds depth to the topping. This step also prevents the nuts from becoming soggy during baking.

3. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Too much flour can make the crust tough, while too much sugar can make the topping overly sticky or runny.

4. Mix the crust dough just until combined to avoid a dense, heavy base. Over mixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the bars tough.

5. Pour the pecan mixture over the crust carefully, using a spatula to distribute it uniformly. Even topping ensures consistent baking and prevents some parts from burning while others remain undercooked.

6. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before slicing. Cooling helps the topping set, preventing the bars from falling apart and making clean, neat slices easier.

Storage Instructions

Butter Pecan Cake Bars should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pecans from becoming stale.

At room temperature, they can stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to retain moisture.

For extended preservation, bars can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

FAQs about Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Cake Bars recipe brings a rich, nutty, and buttery treat that everyone will enjoy. After making it, I find it perfect for serving to family and friends, and I love preparing it every time for gatherings or a special snack.

The method is simple to follow, producing consistently delicious results with a tender crust and gooey pecan topping.

I hope you will try making this recipe yourself and experience the warmth and indulgence it brings. It’s a dessert that leaves a lasting impression and brings joy to any table.

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Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Lipia

These Butter Pecan Cake Bars offer a rich, buttery flavor that delights the palate. The soft, tender base supports a gooey layer of caramelized pecans, creating a contrast of textures that feels luxurious.

Toasted pecans bring a deep, nutty taste that enhances the sweetness of the topping. Bars hold their shape well, making them easy to serve and share.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Knife for chopping pecans
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

For the crust:

• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the butter pecan filling:

• 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

 

Prepare the crust:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

Toast the pecans:

• While the crust is baking, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.

Make the butter pecan filling:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans.

Assemble the bars:

• Pour the butter pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it with a spatula to cover all areas.

Bake and cool:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and slightly set. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Nutrition Facts Of Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Calories: 280 kcal | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Sugar: 18g | Protein: 3g

Keyword Butter Pecan Cake Bars