Description
Delectable Pecan Pie Bars showcase sweet Southern comfort with a buttery crust and rich caramel-like filling. Nutty pecans and a golden base create a portable dessert that brings warmth to holiday gatherings and weeknight treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (170 grams) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (226 grams) chopped pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in flour and salt to create a smooth shortbread dough. Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, using fingertips or a glass to compact the base uniformly.
- Initial Baking: Roast the crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 20 minutes until it turns a delicate golden brown. Remove and let rest momentarily.
- Pecan Filling Creation: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into a silky mixture. Gently fold in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
- Final Assembly and Baking: Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading carefully to create a complete, even layer. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling puffs slightly and maintains a gentle center wobble.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least one hour to set firmly. Slice into elegant squares or rectangles, serving at room temperature to highlight the rich, nutty flavors.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use room-temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing in the shortbread crust, preventing lumps and ensuring a uniform texture.
- Prevent Crust Burning: Cover edges with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly during initial baking to maintain an even golden color.
- Pecan Distribution Technique: Gently fold pecans into the filling to ensure even spread, preventing clusters and creating a consistent nutty bite in every bar.
- Cooling is Crucial: Refrigerate bars for at least an hour to set properly, allowing clean cuts and enhancing the dessert’s structural integrity and flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg