If there’s one dessert that can transport your taste buds to a world of pure indulgence, it’s our German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars. Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures: a crunchy pecan crust, a velvety chocolate layer, and a sweet, coconut-pecan topping. These bars are a delightful fusion of the classic German chocolate cake and the beloved pecan pie, all packed into a convenient, handheld treat.
Perfect for the seasoned home baker or anyone craving a sweet escape, our German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars promise to be the star of your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is the perfect choice. So, let’s dive into the details of creating these scrumptious bars, complete with some helpful tips, variations, and an FAQ section.
Who Will Love These Bars?
These German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are for anyone who appreciates the blissful union of chocolate and pecans. If you’re a fan of classic pecan pie but crave a unique twist, this recipe is your answer. Here are a few types of people who will fall head over heels for these bars:
- Chocolate Enthusiasts: If you can’t resist the allure of chocolate, you’ll adore the rich cocoa flavor in the crust and the decadent chocolate chip layer.
- Pecan Pie Lovers: Pecan pie aficionados will appreciate the crunchy pecan topping that mirrors the beloved pie’s essence.
- Baking Enthusiasts: If you enjoy the therapeutic art of baking and are up for a challenge, these bars are your next culinary adventure.
- Party Hosts: Planning a get-together? These bars are perfect for impressing your guests with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Sweet-Toothed Individuals: For those moments when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, these bars will hit the spot.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make these bars, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- 9″x13″ baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Pastry blender
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the detailed instructions, let’s take a quick look at the key ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 & 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Toast the Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the pecan halves in a single layer on a shallow baking pan.
- Bake the pecans for 8-10 minutes or until they’re lightly toasted. Remember to stir them halfway through baking for even toasting.
Prepare the Crust
- Line the bottom and sides of your 9″x13″ baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two short sides. Grease the foil to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and unsweetened cocoa.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and combine with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and about 3/4-inch up the sides.
Add the Chocolate Layer
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven.
- Immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust and allow them to melt slightly.
- Let the crust cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the three large eggs.
- Add the firmly packed light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and melted unsalted butter to the eggs.
- Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the sweetened flaked coconut and the toasted pecans.
Assemble and Bake
- Pour the coconut-pecan filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 28-34 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the filling has set.
- Once done, cool the bars completely on a wire rack.
- After cooling, refrigerate them for an hour to enhance the flavors and make slicing easier.
Recipe Variations and Tips
Recipe Swaps:
- Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Shortcut:
- To save time, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making the crust from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
These German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are a dessert delight on their own, but you can take your experience to the next level with some creative pairings:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the bars beautifully.
- Coffee: Enjoy them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to each bite.
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftover bars, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, as mentioned in the FAQ section.
