Pecan Pie Surprise Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. These bars feature a buttery crust, a gooey, rich pecan filling, and a hidden layer of sweet goodness that surprises with every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delicious dessert anytime, these bars are easy to make and pack all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a portable, shareable form.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional, for the “surprise”)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it is set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans and optional chocolate chips or coconut, if using.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The center should be slightly soft but not jiggly.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For best results, refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing to let the filling firm up.