Since Thanksgiving is fast approaching, it’s about time that I start to think about my Thanksgiving menu.
Every year since we’ve been married, my husband and I have had our own Thanksgiving meal in addition to celebrating with family. It doesn’t always land on the actual day, but we always celebrate.
I enjoy planning out a whole meal for us to prepare and enjoy together, but I’ve noticed a few problems with this plan. One of the problems that comes with having our own Thanksgiving is the fact that we can end up with a lot of leftovers.
The other problem can end up being that we eat way too much food that isn’t the greatest for us. So, this year I wanted to try and make a conscious effort to make our meal a little healthier.
One of the ways in which we can make our meal healthier is to lighten up dessert. I decided to try and lighten up a Thanksgiving favorite. . .pecan pie. Instead of making a big pie, I decided to go with pie bars that are smaller.
While these honey pecan pie bars still have sugar and butter in them, you won’t find any corn syrup and the amount of butter is significantly less than your typical pecan pie. And you know what? You won’t even miss the missing corn syrup and butter.
These bars are still rich, sweet and full of nutty pecan flavor. A great way to have a little lighter dessert without anybody noticing!
- ⅓ C unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ C brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 C all-purpose flour
- ¼ C unsalted butter
- ⅓ C brown sugar
- ⅓ C honey
- 1 tbsp half & half
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 C chopped pecans
- Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with aluminum foil and butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with an electric mixer), cream together butter and sugar. Add in salt and flour and beat until crumbly.
- Press mixture into prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- While crust is baking, begin preparing filling by combining butter, sugar, honey, and half & half in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a simmer and allow to simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped pecans.
- Remove crust from oven and pour filling over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Remove to a wire rack and allow bars to cool.
- Remove bars from pan and cut into pieces.
This recipe is slightly adapted from Just A Taste.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Jess, these bars look delicious. I love that you’re creating a healthier menu. I think I need to jump on board with that one.
cassie says
Great twist on the traditional pecan pie! I absolutely love these!
Abby says
Love these! I’ve never had good luck making pecan pie, but I love it, I think this is my answer! Thank you!
Liz says
looks delicious Jessica!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love that you two do your own Thanksgiving together. That sounds so fun!
And these pecan pie bars look delicious.
Emily @ Life on Food says
I can taste the honey and pecans already. I cannot wait for Thanksgiving!
Kelly says
I love the idea of creating a healthier menu, these bars look delicious and sound perfect for Thanksgiving! We love pecan pie and I love that we don’t have to polish off a whole pie for dessert, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend Jessica 🙂
Liz says
Whoa, these sound heavenly!!! I adore pecan pie…and these bars look like a terrific alternative!
Ashley says
I love that you used honey in these pecan pie bars! That’s such a great idea! Hope you have an awesome weekend Jessica!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen says
These look amazing! I love pecan pie, but I have a hard time getting past how much sugar is in it…..love how you lightened these bars up!
Eat Good 4 Life says
These look superb. Another winner recipe. I am sure I could make these with WWPF and perhaps less sugar 🙂 I know my family in the South wold love them. Pinning!!
Rachel @ the dessert chronicles says
Love the idea of lightening thanksgiving up a bit! Pie Bars are such a cute idea!
Tieghan says
Pecan Pie is my favorite! These bars are awesome! 🙂
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
what a fun tradition–ben and i should start having our own thanksgiving celebration too! what a fun treat. 🙂
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
You are speaking my language with these. I love desserts sweetened with honey. They always make me feel nostalgic for some reason!
Ramona says
I love these pecan bites… pecan pie is very rich… just a small bite is perfect. 🙂
Heather @ French Press says
what a terrific bar idea – I love pecan pie
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
Pecan pie is one of my must have every Thanksgiving. Love that you termed them into bars for easy storage and transport.
Tracey says
I’m not a pecan pie fan, but we have a ton of them in my family so these are a must-try! They sound perfect! I always cringe at the huge amount of corn syrup in pecan pie…
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love seeing this pecan pie in bar form, perfect for the upcoming holidays, or just a hungry afternoon. 🙂
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
I love that you guys do your own Thanksgiving dinner, what a great tradition! These bars look incredible, I love pecan pie.
Jamie@Milk 'n' Cookies says
Making pecan pie bars is a great idea! I have no control when it comes to resisting desserts, so I need all the help I can get. I love that this recipe gives you the same flavor as pecan pie, but in a much more manageable size. Great idea! Definitely pinning this to try!
Joanne says
I love the idea of using honey instead of corn syrup in pecan pie! These bars are such a great alternative!!
Julia says
Saving this for Thanksgiving–love pecan bars!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Oh wow, these look so rich and delish!! I really need to use honey as an ingredient more. It’s so perfect for fall baking!
Larni says
I was wondering if the brown sugar needs to be packed.
Jessica@A Kitchen Addiction says
No it doesn’t need to be packed. Hope you like it!
Larni says
I made them tonight but I used coconut oil instead of butter. My family really enjoyed them! I did pack the sugar but next time I’ll try it unpacked. This dessert was so easy to make especially having all the ingredients in my pantry! It definitely is a special but simple dessert. Thank you!
Jessica@A Kitchen Addiction says
So glad you liked them! Thanks for letting me know!