No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars with Honey
No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars with Honey
Hey there, friend! Are you ready to indulge in something utterly delicious without turning on your oven? If youโre nodding your head (or even if youโre not), youโre in for a treat with these No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars with Honey. Trust me, youโll want to bookmark this recipe for the next time youโre craving something sweet and comforting.
No-bake desserts have a special place in my heart. Theyโre like the cozy blankets of the dessert worldโwarm and inviting, but without all the hassle of baking. Plus, they bring together simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. So letโs jump right in, shall we? Youโre going to love this!
Why No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars?
You might be wondering, โWhy should I bother making no-bake pecan pie bars when I can whip up a regular pie?โ Well, my friend, let me enlighten you.
- Less Time, More Deliciousness: Seriously, who wants to wait around for a pie to bake when you can make these beauties in less than 30 minutes? ๐
- Easy Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients lying around your kitchen already. No hunting down exotic spices; just good olโ pantry staples.
- Pecan Pie Vibes: You still get that gooey, nutty goodness that a traditional pecan pie brings, minus the stress of crust-making.
Are you ready to impress your friends and family with this dessert? Letโs gather up our ingredients!
Ingredients Youโll Need
Hereโs what youโll need to create your no-bake pecan pie bars:
For the Crust:
- 1 ยฝ cups of graham cracker crumbs (or any other cookie crumbs you love)
- ยฝ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- ยผ cup of brown sugar (for that extra sweetness)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped (you can go nuts with thisโpun intended!)
- ยฝ cup of honey (the star of the show)
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk (for that creamy texture)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (trust me, it makes a difference)
For Topping (Optional):
- A sprinkle of sea salt (because sweet and salty is always a win)
- Extra pecans for garnish
Can you picture this deliciousness already? ๐
How to Make No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars
Alright, now that we have our ingredients at the ready, letโs dive into the step-by-step process. I promiseโitโs as easy as pie! (See what I did there?)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Make sure everything is well mixed.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. You want it nice and compact!
- Stick the crust in the fridge to chill while you whip up the filling. #TotallyLegit
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, mix together the honey, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined; just think of it as a mini workout for your arms!
- Fold in the chopped pecans. This is where the magic happensโthose crunchy, nutty flavors come together!
Step 3: Combine and Set
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread it out evenly. No need to be a perfectionistโremember, youโre going for a rustic look here!
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can wait that long. (Why do I suddenly feel like a kid waiting for Christmas?)
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once the bars are set, you can slice them into beautiful squares. Drizzle some extra honey on top if you’re feeling saucy, and sprinkle on a touch of sea salt.
Tips for Success
- Storage: These bars can last for about a week in the fridge. But let’s be realโyou and I both know they won’t last that long. ๐
- Variations: Feel free to add in some chocolate chips or swap pecans for walnuts if youโre feeling adventurous. You do you, boo!
Why Honey?
You might be curious why Iโve opted for honey as a sweetener. Ever tried using honey in desserts? Itโs chefโs kiss! Hereโs why I love it:
- Natural Sweetener: It adds a sweetness thatโs richer and more complex than plain sugar.
- Moisture: Honey helps keep the bars chewy and prevents them from drying out. Because nobody likes dry snacks, right?
- Healthier Option: While itโs still sugar, honey has some health benefitsโlike antioxidants! But letโs not pretend it makes these bars health food; we know why weโre indulging!
The Perfect Occasion
Now that youโve mastered this no-bake pecan pie bar recipe, letโs brainstorm some occasions where you can make them shine:
- Family Gatherings: Bring these bars to your next family get-together, and watch your relatives fight over the last piece.
- Holiday Parties: They scream โfestiveโโperfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any get-together.
- Weekend Treat: Whip them up as a weekend treat for yourself. You deserve it! ๐
Conclusion
And there you have itโyour easy guide to making No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars with Honey! With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these bars are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, channel your inner kitchen badass, and get ready to enjoy something that tastes like a warm hug! If you try making these, let me know how they turn out. Happy indulging! ๐
Print
No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars with Honey
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy no-bake pecan pie bars sweetened with honey, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ยฝ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ยผ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ยฝ cup honey
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt (optional)
- Extra pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix well and press into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Chill in the fridge.
- In another bowl, mix honey, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once set, slice into squares and optionally drizzle with extra honey and sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes
These bars can last about a week in the fridge. Feel free to add chocolate chips or swap pecans for walnuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
