Southern Pecan Cake Bars are truly one of the simplest desserts to prepare, yet they boast the most incredibly rich, buttery flavor! This homemade delight uses everyday ingredients to create a treat that’s both comforting and impressive.

Southern Pecan Cake Bars: Easy, Buttery & Irresistibly Delicious

Prepare to fall in love with these Southern Pecan Cake Bars. Originally, this cherished family recipe was known as “Southern Pecan Bread.” However, once you taste their moist, cake-like texture and perfectly sweet profile, you’ll agree that “cake bars” is a far more fitting description. They are wonderfully satisfying on their own, requiring no additional frosting, and are absolutely delicious whether served warm straight from the oven or at room temperature. Their versatility makes them a perfect addition to any dessert table, from casual family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations.

The Allure of Southern Pecan Desserts: A Culinary Tradition

Pecans hold a special place in Southern cuisine, synonymous with warmth, hospitality, and rich, comforting flavors. From classic pecan pies to delicate pralines, these native nuts are a staple, celebrated for their distinct nutty taste and satisfying crunch. Our Southern Pecan Cake Bars capture the essence of this tradition, offering a delightful twist on beloved pecan desserts. They deliver that iconic pecan experience in an effortlessly enjoyable bar form, making them a fantastic alternative when you crave the deep, roasted notes of pecans without the fuss of a pie or a more elaborate cake.

What sets these cake bars apart is their exceptional balance of sweetness and texture. Each bite offers a moist, tender crumb interspersed with generous chunks of pecans, creating a harmonious blend that’s truly addictive. The natural buttery notes of the pecans are amplified by the simple, wholesome ingredients, resulting in a dessert that tastes far more complex than its preparation suggests. They are robust enough to travel well for potlucks and picnics, yet elegant enough to grace your finest dinner parties. You might find yourself making them again and again, as they quickly become a household favorite.

Pro Tips for Baking Your Best Southern Pecan Cake Bars

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Southern Pecan Cake Bars from delicious to truly extraordinary. Pay attention to ingredient quality and preparation methods for optimal results that will impress everyone.

• Nut Selection and Preparation: While pecans are the star of this Southern classic, walnuts also work exceptionally well, offering a slightly different but equally delightful flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with a mix of both if you like! For an even deeper, more intensified nutty flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely before adding them to the batter. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in the overall taste of your bars.
• The Versatility of Self-Rising Flour: This recipe calls for self-rising flour, which already contains leavening agents (baking powder and salt), simplifying the baking process. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make your own. For every cup of all-purpose flour, whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. It’s crucial to whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This homemade blend will work perfectly and ensure your cake bars rise beautifully.
• Enhancing Flavor with Drizzle Sauces: While these bars are fantastic on their own, a drizzle of sauce can take them to the next level. A simple homemade caramel sauce or a rich praline sauce complements the pecan flavor beautifully. You can find an excellent, easy praline sauce recipe on our Southern Pecan Praline Cake post. This versatile sauce isn’t just for cakes; it’s also absolutely divine over a scoop of vanilla ice cream with your warm pecan cake bar! Alternatively, our recipe for The Best Salted Caramel offers a sophisticated touch with its perfect balance of sweet and salty notes.
• Creative Flavor Additions: Don’t be afraid to customize your pecan cake bars! Try stirring in a ½ cup of cinnamon chips or chocolate chips with the pecans to introduce a delightful new dimension of flavor. White chocolate chips would also be an excellent choice. For a hint of warmth and spice, a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can be added to the dry ingredients. A little orange or lemon zest can also brighten up the flavor profile significantly.

Gathering Your Ingredients for These Luscious Bars

One of the best aspects of these Southern Pecan Cake Bars is the simplicity of their ingredient list. You likely have most, if not all, of these items already in your pantry! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For the best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature, as this helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a lighter, more uniform cake.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and contributes to the moist, chewy texture of the bars.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, provide structure, and add richness to the batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake bars remain wonderfully moist and tender, often yielding a richer texture than butter alone in some recipes.
• Self-Rising Flour: The convenient base for our cake, providing both flour and the necessary leavening. Remember our tip for making your own if you don’t have it!
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements the sweetness and nutty notes of the pecans. Use a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: The star of the show! Divided for mixing into the batter and sprinkling on top, they provide incredible flavor and a delightful textural contrast.

Step-by-Step: Baking Irresistible Southern Pecan Cake Bars

Creating these delightful cake bars is a straightforward process that even novice bakers will find enjoyable. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, buttery pecan treats every time.

Preparation is Key:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9×13-inch glass baking dish by lightly spraying only the bottom with a nonstick cooking spray. Avoid spraying the sides, as this can sometimes cause the cake to shrink away from the edges during baking, which we want to prevent for nicely shaped bars.

Mixing Your Batter:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, with no streaks of egg or oil remaining. This forms the rich, moist base of your cake. Once smooth, gently stir in the self-rising flour and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to tough cake bars. Finally, fold in 1 ½ cups of your chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Take the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans and sprinkle them generously and evenly over the top of the batter. This creates a beautiful, crunchy topping once baked.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cake bars. If you notice the top beginning to brown too quickly before the center is fully cooked, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent over-browning while allowing the inside to finish baking thoroughly. The finished bars should have a beautiful golden-brown top and slightly firm edges.

Serving and Storage Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

The waiting is often the hardest part, but allowing your Southern Pecan Cake Bars to cool properly is key to achieving the best texture and clean slices. Once baked to perfection, these bars offer versatile serving options and can be stored effectively to prolong their freshness.

The Perfect Serve:

Allow the cake bars to cool slightly in the baking dish before slicing and serving. While they are tempting straight from the oven, a little cooling time helps them set, making them easier to cut into neat, individual bars. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little caramel sauce, or the praline sauce mentioned earlier, over the top of each warm bar. They are also heavenly served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a simpler pleasure, enjoy them at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea – they make a delightful afternoon treat or a welcome addition to any brunch spread.

Storing Your Delicious Bars:

To keep your Southern Pecan Cake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, or for extended freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.

Variations to Spark Your Creativity

While the classic Southern Pecan Cake Bars are perfect as is, they also serve as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to personalize your batch!

• Alternative Nuts: Beyond pecans and walnuts, consider using chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even a blend of your favorite nuts for a different flavor profile.
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a half teaspoon of nutmeg, or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, autumnal twist. Pumpkin pie spice blend works wonderfully too.
• Sweet Mix-Ins: Besides chocolate chips or cinnamon chips, try folding in a half cup of toffee bits, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Citrus Zest: The bright, zesty flavor of orange or lemon peel can cut through the richness and add a refreshing note. Add a teaspoon of finely grated zest to the wet ingredients.
• Maple Flavor: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with maple extract or add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the wet ingredients for a rich, maple-pecan delight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southern Pecan Cake Bars

Here are answers to some common questions you might have while baking these delicious pecan cake bars.

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own. For each cup of all-purpose flour, simply whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. For this recipe, that would mean 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour combined with 2 ¼ teaspoons of baking powder and ⅜ teaspoon of salt.

Q: How do I know when my pecan cake bars are perfectly baked?

A: The best indicator is the toothpick test. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean (no wet batter attached), your bars are done. They should also be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch when gently pressed in the center.

Q: Can I make these Southern Pecan Cake Bars ahead of time for an event?

A: Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert! They actually tend to develop a deeper flavor profile the day after they are baked. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be delicious for several days.

Q: What’s the best way to get clean slices when cutting the bars?

A: For perfectly clean slices, allow the cake bars to cool completely to room temperature. You can even chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a large, sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth between each cut to prevent sticking and ensure neat edges.

Craving More Southern Dessert Inspirations?

If you’ve enjoyed the rich, nutty goodness of these Southern Pecan Cake Bars, you’re in for a treat! The world of Southern baking offers an abundance of delightful pecan-centric recipes and other comforting classics. Explore more of our favorites:

• Pecan Tassies
• Crock Pot Pecan Pie
• Pecan Pralines
• Southern Pecan Pie
• Pecan Pie Cheesecakes
• Pecan Pie Muffins
• Butter Pecan Cookies
• Southern Pecan Pound Cake
• Pecan Praline Cake with Butter Sauce
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Pecan Pie Cupcakes
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake
• Southern Pound Cake

Originally published: June 2017
Updated & republished: November 2020