Gluten-Free Ooey Gooey Pecan Pie Bars

Name: Gooey Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 1, 9x13 Tray
Ingredients: 2 3/4 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 3/4 c. powdered sugar; 1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 1/2 c. corn syrup; 1 1/2 c. sugar; 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted; 2 tsp. vanilla; 4 large eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten; 1/4 tsp. salt; 2 1/2 c. coarsely chopped pecans (measured after chopping)

Desserts

Nov 4

Written By Kali Terry

Pecan pie is one of those desserts that instantly conjures up feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. The gooey, caramelized filling paired with crunchy, buttery pecans makes it a holiday favorite, especially during Thanksgiving. But what if you could take the flavors and textures of pecan pie and turn them into an easier-to-serve, portable dessert without sacrificing any of that classic, indulgent goodness? Enter Gluten-Free Ooey Gooey Pecan Pie Bars—a delightful twist on a beloved classic that brings the same rich, comforting flavors in a more approachable form.

Jump to Recipe

These bars are everything you love about traditional pecan pie, but in a sliceable, gluten-free format that’s just as decadent, gooey, and sweet. Whether you're baking them for a family gathering, a cozy evening with friends, or a Thanksgiving celebration, these pecan pie bars are sure to steal the show. Let’s break down what makes them so special and why they’re the perfect addition to any dessert table.

The Taste: A Sweet, Nutty Symphony

From the very first bite, you'll be hit with that signature pecan pie flavor—a perfectly balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering, but still rich enough to satisfy any dessert lover. The bars have a deep, caramel-like sweetness that comes from the combination of corn syrup and sugar in the filling, while the vanilla extract adds a comforting, familiar flavor that ties everything together.

Then, there’s the texture of the pecans—those chopped pecans lend a satisfying crunch and buttery richness that complements the gooey filling beautifully. The nuts not only add texture but also enhance the flavor, giving each bite an added depth that elevates the overall experience.

But the real showstopper is the shortbread crust. This crust is buttery and crisp, acting as the perfect foundation for the gooey filling. The gluten-free flour blend creates a sturdy yet tender base that supports the sweet, sticky topping without being too dense. The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet, gooey filling with crunchy pecans is nothing short of a dessert lover’s dream.

The Texture: Soft, Gooey, and Satisfying

One of the best things about these bars is their texture. The filling is wonderfully gooey and sticky, just like a classic pecan pie, but with the added bonus of being easily cut into bars. The bars have that satisfying chewiness in the middle, with the pecans giving a pleasant crunch. Every bite strikes a perfect balance between smooth, sweet filling and the crispness of the shortbread crust. The layers come together to create a contrast in both texture and flavor that will leave you craving more.

The shortbread crust is not too thick or too thin—it’s just the right amount of buttery richness, providing a solid base for the luscious filling without overshadowing it. The filling itself is gooey and holds together beautifully, creating a satisfying, sweet treat that isn’t too runny or sticky, making it easy to cut and serve. The pecans, with their toasty, nutty bite, provide an irresistible crunch, adding just enough texture to make these bars a little more interesting than your average gooey dessert.

Easiness: A Simple, No-Fuss Recipe with Big Rewards

While these bars may seem like a complex dessert, they’re surprisingly easy to make. The crust comes together quickly, requiring just a few ingredients—gluten-free flour, powdered sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of salt. Simply blend everything together, press it into the pan, and bake. The filling is just as simple, with no need for complicated techniques or special tools.

Here’s why these bars are a win when it comes to ease:

Minimal Prep Work: No need to deal with pie crusts or worry about the delicate process of baking a traditional pecan pie. The shortbread crust is a cinch to make and bake. The filling just needs to be whisked together and poured on top of the crust. It’s a foolproof recipe that requires no special skills.
Short Bake Time: Unlike a traditional pecan pie, which can take a bit longer to set and bake, these bars are done in a fraction of the time. The crust bakes for just a short while, and the filling sets as the bars cool.
Easy to Serve: Since these are bars rather than a pie, they’re incredibly easy to serve. No cutting into a messy pie or worrying about it falling apart when you slice it. Just grab a bar, plate it up, and serve. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or large groups, where everyone can help themselves without the fuss of cutting slices of pie.

Nostalgic Flavor: A Twist on the Traditional

Pecan pie is a dessert that brings with it a flood of memories—of family gatherings, holidays, and warm, cozy moments. These bars hold all of that nostalgic comfort while offering a modern and practical twist. You still get the rich, caramelized flavor of pecan pie, but in a form that’s easy to share and serve.

Whether you have fond memories of your grandmother’s pecan pie at Thanksgiving or remember the joy of digging into a slice at a family holiday dinner, these bars evoke those same feelings. They taste like home—warm, sweet, and familiar—but with a convenient, bar-style format that makes them even easier to enjoy.

If you’re looking to recreate that feeling of sitting around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends, these pecan pie bars are the perfect way to bring a little slice of nostalgia to your dessert table. Their gooey, nutty filling is a direct nod to the traditional dessert, but in a form that’s simple and modern.

Perfect for Thanksgiving: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert

There’s no doubt that these bars are perfect for Thanksgiving. They capture all the comforting, familiar flavors of a pecan pie, but in a form that’s easier to serve and enjoy with a crowd. Whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a dessert to someone else’s celebration, these bars are sure to impress.

They’re a great way to change things up if you’re looking for a more portable dessert than a traditional pie, but you still want to stay true to the flavors of the season. And since they’re gluten-free, they’re an excellent option for guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice (or two!) without missing out on the deliciousness.

The gooey filling and crunchy pecans will be a big hit among your guests, and the shortbread crust offers just the right amount of buttery richness to balance out the sweetness of the filling. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to be the highlight of your Thanksgiving meal.

Serve with Ice Cream: A Heavenly Combo

One of the best ways to enjoy these pecan pie bars is warm, straight out of the oven (or reheated) with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm, gooey filling and the cold, creamy ice cream is nothing short of heavenly. The ice cream melts slightly as it hits the warm bars, creating a perfect balance of cold and hot, creamy and crunchy.

If you want to get really fancy, you could even drizzle some caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt over the top, but these bars are delicious enough to stand on their own. The vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the sweet, nutty flavor of the pecans and the gooey filling, creating a dessert that’s truly indulgent and unforgettable.

Why These Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are a Must-Make

Nostalgic and comforting: These bars capture all the flavors of classic pecan pie, making them the perfect addition to any holiday table.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these bars come together quickly, making them a no-fuss dessert that anyone can master.
Portable and shareable: In bar form, these are easy to cut and serve to a crowd, making them the ideal dessert for gatherings or family events.
Perfect for Thanksgiving: With their gooey, sweet filling and buttery shortbread crust, they embody the flavors of fall and are a great fit for your holiday spread.
Serve with ice cream: These bars pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making for an indulgent treat everyone will love.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- Measure your pecans after chopping.

- There should be a slight jiggle in the middle of your pecan pie bars - this is how you know they’re done! They will firm up as they cool off.

These Gluten-Free Ooey Gooey Pecan Pie Bars are a modern twist on a traditional favorite, offering the same comforting, rich flavors of pecan pie but in a more convenient, easy-to-serve format. With their gooey filling, buttery shortbread crust, and the satisfying crunch of roasted pecans, these bars are the perfect dessert to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, or on their own as a sweet finish to your meal, they’re sure to be a hit. So go ahead—bake up a batch, and let these bars become a new holiday tradition in your home!