Description
Deliciously rich and buttery pecan bars featuring a crisp shortbread crust and a gooey, sweet pecan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until the mixture is crumbly. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. This forms a sturdy base for your pecan filling.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans to evenly combine.
- Assemble and bake: Once the crust is hot and golden, pour the pecan filling over it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed in the center.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them into 24 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon to the pecan filling for rich depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a handful of chocolate chips into the filling for extra sweetness and texture.
- These bars can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature without losing freshness.
