Pecan Pie Bars with Cake Mix

Sometimes pie recipes are too much trouble. Who has time to make a full-blown double pie crust and worry about blind baking? This recipe for pecan pie bars with cake mix is a faster, easier pie delivery system, thanks to a little help from a boxed mix. The filling is rich and gooey, like the good part of pecan pie, and it’s loaded with toasted nuts for the perfect level of crunch.

You’ll use the same box of cake mix twice—first for the crust, then again to thicken the filling and give it that glossy, caramel-like finish. There’s no need to haul out the stand mixer, either. Just stir, bake and cool. You’ll feel wildly accomplished and slightly smug when your kitchen smells like a bakery and the cake mix pecan pie bars make you look as if you’ve been moonlighting at a pastry shop.

Pecan Pie Bars with Cake Mix Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix
• Butter
• Eggs
• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pecans

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Reserve 2/3 cup cake mix and set aside. Combine the remaining cake mix, butter and one of the eggs. Beat on low speed until blended. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven and let the crust cool on a wire rack.

Editor’s Tip: While the rest forms the crust, 2/3 cup cake mix is reserved to help thicken the filling and give it structure.

Step 2: Make the filling

For the filling, beat the corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla and reserved cake mix until blended. Add the remaining eggs, and beat on low speed just until combined.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

Pour the filling over the crust and sprinkle with the pecans. Bake until the center is set, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.

How to Store Pecan Pie Bars with Cake Mix

Store the pecan pie bars made with cake mix in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container, placing a piece of parchment between each layer. Freeze the bars for up to three months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Pecan Pie Bars with Cake Mix Tips

What type of boxed mix can be used for pecan pie bars made with cake mix?

We use yellow cake mix in this pecan pie bars recipe, but you can use any type of mix. Try flavors like spice cake or butter pecan cake mix to complement the pecan filling.

Can I use light corn syrup to make pecan pie bars with cake mix?

You can substitute light corn syrup for the dark corn syrup in these pecan bars made with cake mix. However, the bars will have a slightly milder flavor and lighter color.

What goes well with cake mix pecan pie bars?

Cake mix pecan pie bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a mug of hazelnut coffee.