The moment the leaves begin to crunch beneath my feet and the air turns crisp, I know it’s time to dive into some fall baking. This is where my Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars come in—a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie that’s sure to excite both palates and spirits. Picture a buttery shortbread crust cradling a gooey medley of rich chocolate and nutty pecans, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
These bars are not just easy to make; they bring everyone together, making them perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply treating yourself after a long week. With just the right balance of sweetness and texture, they offer a crowd-pleasing alternative that requires much less fuss than a traditional pie. So, preheat that oven and let’s get ready to spread some delicious joy this season!
Why will you love Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars?
Decadent Flavor: The luscious combination of chocolate and pecans creates a taste experience that is both sweet and savory.
Simple Preparation: Even beginner bakers can whip these bars up with ease, requiring minimal skills and ingredients.
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to adults—will love this treat, making it a perfect addition to any gathering.
Versatile Delight: Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them chilled alongside your favorite coffee.
Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be prepared a couple of days in advance, which means less stress on the day of your event. Enjoy your time with loved ones while indulging in these delicious bites!
Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars Ingredients
For the Crust
• Chilled Butter – Creates a tender and flaky crust; chill in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before use.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and lightens the crust for that perfect bite.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides vital structure to the buttery shortbread base.
• Vanilla Extract – Amplifies the flavor in both the crust and the filling.
For the Filling
• Eggs – Binds and adds moisture to the delicious filling mix.
• Maple Syrup – Lends a rich sweetness, capturing a traditional pecan pie flavor.
• Chopped Pecans – The star ingredient, offering a delightful nutty flavor that can be substituted with walnuts if desired.
• Coconut Flakes – Contributes a subtle texture and sweetness, which is optional if you have none on hand.
• Dark Chocolate Chips – Provides that luxurious richness in the filling; semi-sweet can be used as an alternative.
For the Finish
• Flaky Sea Salt – Enhances flavor and adds a delightful contrast; sprinkle generously before serving for that extra touch.
How to Make Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for your bars, creating a beautifully golden crust.
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Prepare the Crust: Grease a 9×11 baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a bowl, cream the chilled butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and light in color. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. This base will provide a lovely buttery slab for your rich filling.
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Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, brown your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to cool slightly, then whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. One by one, add in the eggs, ensuring each is well incorporated. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans and coconut flakes for added texture.
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Combine: Once your crust is baked and ready, pour the gooey filling over it. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top, evenly distributing them to ensure each bar has chocolate goodness.
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Bake Filling: Return the filled pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. The filling will be set and lightly golden when done, providing a perfect creamy center.
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Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. Don’t forget to sprinkle flakey sea salt generously before serving; it enhances the flavors beautifully!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars
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Butter Temperature: Let your butter cool slightly after browning to prevent it from cooking the eggs when mixed. This ensures a silky filling.
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Crust Consistency: Don’t overmix the crust ingredients; folding in the flour gently creates that tender, flaky texture.
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Precise Baking: Keep an eye on both baking times—under-baking can lead to a gooey filling, while over-baking will dry it out. Aim for golden edges.
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Cooling Patience: Allow the bars to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps them set, making it easier to cut clean squares for serving.
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Sea Salt Sprinkling: Don’t skimp on the flakey sea salt! It enhances the overall flavor and creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the dessert bars.
What to Serve with Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars?
These delectable bars deserve a spread that complements their rich, sweet flavors and enhances your gathering’s atmosphere.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, a scoop brings a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey bars, making each bite heavenly.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, enhancing the sweet notes of the chocolate and pecans.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or tart cranberries provide a pop of freshness that balances the richness, adding a colorful element to your dessert table.
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Espresso: A strong cup of espresso or coffee offsets the sugary sweetness, creating a perfect pairing that energizes your palate and enhances the flavors.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the bars adds another layer of indulgence and a beautiful, glossy finish.
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Chopped Nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts sprinkled on top give a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts the soft layers of the bars.
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Chocolate Sauce: For the true chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce will intensify the chocolate flavor while adding decadence to the experience.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses can serve as a savory counterpart, balancing out the sweetness and creating a unique dessert experience that ignites curiosity.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A warm spiced chai latte, with its aromatic spices, offers a cozy embrace that pairs wonderfully with the bars on chilly fall evenings.
Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative with these scrumptious dessert bars, making them uniquely yours!
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Nutty Swap: Substitute pecans with walnuts for a delightful twist that adds a different nutty flavor.
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Sweetness Upgrade: Replace maple syrup with honey for a lighter sweetness profile; it’s a great way to enhance flavor naturally.
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Chocolate Change: Opt for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version, or use white chocolate for a fun contrast in color and flavor.
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Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor that will remind you of holiday baking.
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Coconut Omission: If you’re not a fan of coconut flakes, feel free to leave them out entirely without compromising the bars’ delightful texture.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy chocolate chips for a delicious dairy-free dessert.
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Texture Boost: Add a handful of toffee bits to the chocolate layer for an extra crunch and a buttery sweetness that’ll take these bars to the next level.
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Heat It Up: Toss in a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and pecans.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without compromising on flavor! You can prepare the crust and filling up to 48 hours in advance. Simply make the crust and bake it, then prepare the filling and store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to finish, pour the chilled filling over the crust and bake as directed. To maintain the bars’ deliciousness, avoid adding the flakey sea salt until just before serving, ensuring that every bite is fresh and flavorful. Enjoy hassle-free baking and make your gatherings easier with this wonderful make-ahead treat!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars
Room Temperature: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This maintains their softness and flavor while preventing them from drying out.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to use a sealed container to avoid absorbing any odors.
Freezer: Freeze individual bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enhance the gooey texture; top with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt before serving for a delightful finish.
Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of pecans should I use for these dessert bars?
Absolutely! I recommend using fresh, raw pecans for the best flavor and texture. Look for nuts that are light in color and have no dark spots or a rancid smell. If you’re in the mood for a twist, walnuts can serve as a delightful substitute!
How should I store leftover Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars?
For optimal freshness, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks—just make sure the container is sealed well to prevent any unwanted odors.
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Can I freeze these dessert bars? If so, how?
Very! Freezing these bars is a great option if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be just as delicious!
Why did my filling turn out too gooey?
Ah, that can happen! If the filling is too gooey, it might be due to under-baking. Ensure the bars bake until they are set and golden, about 20-25 minutes after you pour the filling over the crust. If you find it’s too runny, extend the baking time by a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Are these bars safe for those with nut allergies?
No, unfortunately, these Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars contain pecans and can’t be considered safe for individuals with nut allergies. However, if you’re making these for someone with dietary restrictions, consider replacing the nuts with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for a similar crunch!
What if I don’t have dark chocolate chips? Can I use something else?
Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet or even milk chocolate chips for added sweetness. If you want a different flavor profile, white chocolate chips make a lovely contrast as well. The more the merrier when it comes to customizing these delicious bars!
Salted Chocolate Pecan Dessert Bars: Fall's Must-Try Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Grease a 9x11 baking pan and line with parchment paper. Cream chilled butter with sugars until fluffy, mix in vanilla, then fold in flour. Press into the pan.
- Bake Crust: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Filling: Brown butter, cool slightly, whisk in brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in pecans and coconut flakes.
- Combine: Pour filling over crust and sprinkle dark chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Bake Filling: Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool & Serve: Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.