Description
Deliciously rich and nutty pecan bars featuring a buttery crust and a sweet, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful dessert any time of the year.
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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and leave the oven on for the next step.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until fully combined. Stir in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
- Add Filling and Bake: Immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust once it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a twist, add a splash of bourbon to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Mix in a handful of chocolate chips with the pecans in the filling for a chocolatey variation.
- These bars can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
