Description
These classic Pecan Bars are a delightful American dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, they combine the nutty flavor of toasted pecans with a sweet, caramel-like syrup, creating an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring to leave a slight overhang along the edges for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly but can press together.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is hot out of the oven, pour the pecan filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the pecan bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a flavorful twist, add a splash of bourbon to the pecan filling before baking.
- Mixing in a handful of chocolate chips into the filling adds a delightful chocolatey element.
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
