Decadent Pecan Bars
Pecan bars deliver the flavors of a classic pecan pie — buttery, sweet, and nutty — in a form that slices cleanly and travels well. A shortbread base holds a brown sugar and pecan filling that sets firm as it cools. The whole recipe takes about an hour, including bake time.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg beaten
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1 ½ cups pecans coarsely chopped
Instructions
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/2 cup of cold, diced butter to the mixture and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 1 beaten egg to the flour mixture and mix until combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool on a wire rack.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup of corn syrup and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until smooth. Gradually whisk in the 4 beaten eggs and vanilla extract until completely combined.
- Stir in the coarsely chopped pecans into the filling mixture, then pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden. Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Lori’s Tips
- To enhance flavor, consider toasting the pecans prior to adding them to the filling.
- For a more nuanced sweetness, replace half of the corn syrup with maple syrup.
- These bars freeze well, so make them ahead of time and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 437IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate This Recipe!
