Southern Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Butter Pecan Cake Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert made using butter pecan cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans.

These bars have a soft, gooey texture layered over a dense, buttery base. They are often made in home kitchens during gatherings, holidays, or when craving something sweet and nutty.

The deep flavor of toasted pecans combined with the creamy topping makes them a favorite treat among dessert lovers.

Butter Pecan Cake Bars hold importance in traditional Southern baking and offer comfort through their warm, sweet taste. Now, I will guide the steps to make Butter Pecan Cake Bars.

Why We Love This Recipe?

We love these Butter Pecan Cake Bars because they deliver a perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness and creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite unforgettable.

With a hint of warm cinnamon, this dessert feels comforting and indulgent, like a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories and leaves you craving just one more delicious bite.

How To Make Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings/Yield: 16 bars

Estimated Calories: ~310 per bar (based on 16 servings)

Kitchen Utensils Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (15.25 oz) box butter pecan cake mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 large eggs, divided
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

How To Make Butter Pecan Cake Bars

1. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, cake mix, and 1 egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.

2. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

3. Fold in the chopped pecans to the cream cheese mixture. Spread this layer evenly over the base layer in the pan.

4. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set (a slight jiggle is okay).

5. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel for garnish.

Tips For Best Results

1. Let ingredients come to room temperature: Make sure your eggs and butter aren’t cold before mixing. This helps the batter blend smoothly and produces a better crumb.

2. Toast nuts carefully: Keep a close watch while toasting pecans—they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly, which affects flavor negatively.

3. Use fresh baking powder: Old or expired leavening agents can make your bars dense, so always check the freshness for a nice rise.

4. Mix gently but thoroughly: Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the bars chewy instead of tender.

5. Grease and line your pan: Lightly grease your baking pan, then line with parchment paper or foil for easy removal and cleaner edges.

Health Benefits

While Butter Pecan Cake Bars are definitely a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the pecans. Pecans aren’t just delicious they’re packed with nutrients.

They provide healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamins E and A, and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Including pecans in your dessert adds a nutritional boost while delivering that buttery crunch I love.

The cinnamon adds a natural warmth that may help regulate blood sugar. Enjoying these bars in moderation lets you savor a delicious dessert with a touch of wholesome goodness.

Serving Suggestions For Butter Pecan Cake Bars

◆ Cut the bars into small squares and layer them in clear mini cups with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Add a pecan on top for a beautiful bite-sized trifle effect—perfect for parties!

◆ Enhance the flavor by drizzling warm maple glaze or a brown sugar glaze over the bars before serving. The natural sweetness of maple pairs perfectly with the butter pecan flavor.

◆ Serve the bars cold alongside a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a refreshing balance of richness and fruitiness.

◆ Add extra texture by sprinkling crushed toffee bits or extra chopped pecans on top just before serving. This gives each bite a satisfying crunch.

◆ Slice bars in half horizontally and sandwich a scoop of cinnamon or caramel swirl ice cream between them. Freeze briefly before serving as a fun and decadent twist.

How To Make Butter Pecan Cake Bars More Delicious

1. Brown the butter: Before mixing, gently brown your butter on the stove until it smells nutty and caramel-like. This adds a deep, rich flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.

2. Toast your pecans well: Toast pecans until they’re golden and fragrant to unlock their full flavor and crunch.

3. Add a pinch of sea salt: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the bars just before baking or right after—they balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

4. Use vanilla bean paste or high-quality vanilla extract: This adds a more intense, natural vanilla flavor than regular vanilla essence.

5. Top with a simple glaze: Drizzle a quick vanilla or caramel glaze over the cooled bars to add moisture and sweetness. A thin glaze also makes them look extra tempting.

How To Store The Finished Cake?

To store Butter Pecan Cake Bars, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness, especially because of the cream cheese layer.

Stored this way, the bars will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months just thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs about Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Conclusion

I truly enjoyed making and tasting these Butter Pecan Cake Bars they’re absolutely delicious and full of comforting flavors. I hope you give this recipe a try soon!

Once you do, I’d love to hear how much you enjoyed them and what your favorite part was. Trust me, these bars are worth every bite!

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