Healthy, Seasonal, Balanced Recipes

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust [No Corn Syrup]

November 22, 2022

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust [No Corn Syrup]

48 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 20 reviews
Love it? Share it!

These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with a buttery shortbread crust are everything you want in a fall or holiday dessert! Sweet, salty, chocolatey, and unbelievably easy.

They’re made with no corn syrup and instead sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, which adds warm hints of caramel and vanilla that make these pecan pie bars taste next-level!

They are a great make-ahead dessert, as they need time to cool and set anyway. You can bake them the night before a big holiday cooking day, and they’ll hold their shape beautifully!

Pecan shortbread bars cut into squares on a piece of parchment paper. this recipe

Just a heads up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and use (or would use) myself, and your support helps keep this site going! Thank you so much!

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Think of these bars as pecan pie meets fudgy brownie. They have that classic gooey pecan pie filling, but the cocoa powder adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly!

Table of contents

Stack of pecan shortbread bars with flaky salt on top, on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

  • Made with no corn syrup, maple syrup keeps things naturally sweet!
  • Rich chocolate flavor from 100% cocoa powder.
  • Buttery shortbread crust that comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfectly sweet and salty, I love finishing them with a sprinkle of flaky salt.
  • Easy to transport for holidays, potlucks, and gatherings.
  • Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a few pantry staples come together to make the most decadent chocolate pecan pie bars:

Chopped pecans: the hero of pecan pie bars.

All-purpose flour: the base of the shortbread crust.

Brown sugar: adds moisture and a touch of molasses flavor.

Salt: essential for balancing sweetness.

Cinnamon: a subtle warm note that pairs perfectly with pecans.

Pure maple syrup: the star sweetener (no corn syrup here!).

Butter: really cold butter gives the crust its classic shortbread texture.

100% cocoa powder: adds rich, chocolatey depth.

Eggs: help the filling set.

Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor!

Pecan shortbread bar ingredients in separate bowls on a white surface.

Are These Pecan Shortbread Bars Healthy?

“Healthy dessert” feels like an oxymoron, but these Chocolate Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars do use natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like pecans, cocoa powder, and maple syrup, so you’re getting more than just sugar!

Pure maple syrup contains minerals like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, plus antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a more natural option compared to corn syrup, which is why I love using it in no corn syrup pecan pie bars.

I’m not saying you should eat the entire pan (also not saying you shouldn’t), but you can feel good knowing this decadent dessert brings a little more to the table than your standard pecan pie bars.

Pecan shortbread bars cut into squares - also pictured is a bag of Ghirardelli 100% cocoa powder.

How to Make the Shortbread Crust

Prep the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

  2. Spray a 9×9-inch pan with avocado oil spray.

  3. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving edges hanging over. Leaving the parchment edges makes removing the bars from the pan much easier after baking!

Mix the Crust

Four photos of crust/dough for pecan shortbread bars being prepared.
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon with your hands.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter (or your preferred substitute) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Work quickly so the butter stays cold, as this gives the shortbread its classic flaky texture!

Press and Par-Bake

  1. Firmly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and about ½ inch up the sides. Ensure there’s no loose flour.

  2. Par-bake for 12 minutes. This step partially bakes the crust so it sets before adding the filling. Par-baking prevents the shortbread from becoming soggy once the chocolate maple pecan filling is added.
Crust/dough of chocolate maple pecan shortbread bars being pressed into a cake pan.

How to Make the Chocolate Maple Pecan Filling

  1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a KitchenAid or hand mixer, lightly beat eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, vanilla, and sea salt until combined. Tip: Beat just until smooth, as overmixing can make the filling dense.

  2. Add the Pecans: Stir in roughly chopped pecans until evenly distributed. Tip: Toast the pecans lightly for extra depth of flavor (optional).
Pecan Shortbread Bars ingredients (eggs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, maple syrup) in a silver kitchenaid bowl on a white surface

How to Assemble and Bake the Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Add the Filling

  1. Pour the filling over the warm shortbread crust.
  2. Spread evenly with a spatula if needed.
Pecans being dumped into the kitchenaid with the pecan shortbread bars batter.
Chocolate maple pecan shortbread bars being poured over the crust in a cake pan.

Bake and Cool

  1. Bake for 25 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly soft.
  2. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
  3. Sprinkle with flaky salt (optional but highly recommended for the perfect sweet-salty bite).
  4. Cut into 16 bars and enjoy every bite!
Chocolate maple pecan shortbread bars being sprinkled with flaky salt.
Chocolate maple pecan shortbread bars stacked on a wire rack on a white surface.

FAQ: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

How do you know when pecan bars are done?

Edges should be golden brown, and the center should jiggle slightly when the pan is gently shaken. A toothpick in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. They’re great made the night before serving.

Do these pecan pie bars really use no corn syrup?

Yes! These no corn syrup pecan pie bars use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

How should I store pecan pie bars?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes! Wrap fully cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen bars?

Thaw bars overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes if you want them warm, or enjoy at room temperature.

Several fall dessert recipes photos being displayed in a collage.
Click for the Fall Dessert Recipes collection!

I’d love to hear about your experience with these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars! Please leave a question or recipe review, get in touch via email, and follow me on social media, which I have linked below.

You can also subscribe to the Heavenly Spiced email list to stay updated on new recipes, giveaways, life updates, and more! Hope to see you there. – Jenna 😊💌

Sign up to receive a free digital copy of my newest book!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Built with ConvertKit

    More Desserts to Try:

    77+ Unique Gifts for Foodies They’ll Actually Love!
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Overhead shot of pecan shortbread bars on a piece of parchment paper and pecans on the side.

    Pecan Shortbread Bars [Chocolate and Maple Syrup]

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 20 reviews

    • Author: Jenna
    • Total Time: 52 minutes
    • Yield: 16 servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe

    Description

    These Chocolate Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars are essentially pecan pie in bar form. So delicious, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup (no corn syrup needed).

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    CRUST FOR PECAN SHORTBREAD BARS:

    • 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick/8 tablespoons) salted butter, very cold
    • avocado oil spray for pan

    CHOCOLATE MAPLE PECAN FILLING:

    OPTIONAL FOR TOPPING:

    Instacart Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    1. PREPARE AND PAR-BAKE THE CRUST. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Spray the 9×9 inch square cake pan with avocado oil spray then place a fitted piece of parchment paper in the pan (ensuring the sides are sticking out so you can easily lift the bars). With your hands, mix the flour, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with your pastry cutter. Transfer the flour mixture to the prepared pan and continue to firmly press the dough into an even layer, and about half an inch up the sides of the cake pan. Make sure there is no loose flour. *See more photos in the post above. Par-bake the shortbread pie crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
      Shortbread pie crust being pressed into a cake pan lined with parchment paper.
    2. MAKE THE CHOCOLATE MAPLE PECAN SHORTBREAD BARS FILLING. In the meantime, using a KitchenAid or a hand mixer lightly beat the eggs with maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir in the pecans.
      Pecan Shortbread Bars ingredients (eggs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, maple syrup) in a silver kitchenaid bowl on a white surface
    3. FINISH PREPARING THE CHOCOLATE MAPLE PECAN SHORTBREAD BARS. Dump the filling over the warm shortbread crust. Bake for another 25 minutes. Let the bars cool completely in the cake pan over a cooling rack before cutting.
      Chocolate maple pecan shortbread bars being poured over the crust in a cake pan.
    4. SERVE AND ENJOY! I like to sprinkle a little bit of flaky salt on top for the perfect salty and sweet bite, and because it looks pretty (totally optional). Cut into 16 bars and enjoy!!!
      Chocolate maple pecan shortbread bars being sprinkled with flaky salt.

    Equipment

    Notes

    • Chocolate Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars are a great make-ahead dessert to save some time on busy cooking days like Thanksgiving and Christmas!
    • See article: The Ultimate Guide to Freezing Cookies and Bars.
    • The total time includes two hours of cooling time. You can also cool them overnight by storing the pecan shortbread bars (still in the cake pan to avoid damaging them before they’re cooled) in the cake pan in an airtight container. The bars take less than an hour to prep and bake!
    • You don’t need to use a KitchenAid for this recipe, but I always do!
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 37 minutes
    • Category: Snacks & Desserts
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @heavenlyspiced and use the hashtag #heavenlyspiced on Instagram – I’d love to see your creations! 🖤

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    Love it? Share it!
    Author:
    Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, Fall Recipes, Snacks and Desserts, Vegetarian

    48 thoughts on “Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust [No Corn Syrup]”

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Hi, I'm Jenna!

    Jenna Geiger of Heavenly Spiced LLC smiling and posing in front of green trees and mountains.

    I’m a Washington-based food blogger (from New York) and love creating and photographing flavorful recipes made with whole foods and fresh herbs! On Heavenly Spiced, I share my favorite ideas for meal prep, healthy drinks, appetizers, holiday dishes, brunch, and more. I’m also getting into sourdough baking and gardening, and share plenty of behind-the-scenes cooking, wellness tips, and everyday life on socials. Come say hi!

    More about me & the blog

    Gifts for foodies Heavenly Spiced: 2026 gift guide for foodies - unique gifts from small makers and specialty shops, kitchen tools, etc.
    Photo states: 15 Quick & Easy Appetizer Recipes - Paperback Version Now Available. Also available for download (on Kindle).
    How regular people are earning high-ticket commissions from their phone. Grab free training scalablewealth.co/join-free-training.

    Archives

    Copyright © 2026 Heavenly Spiced LLC