Pecan Bars

The beloved Pecan Bars hold a special place in my heart, a nostalgic reminder of chilly fall afternoons spent with my family. Picture this: the aroma of buttery pastry wafting through the kitchen as I eagerly await the moment the bars emerge from the oven, their golden edges hinting at the scrumptiousness within. These treats are not just any dessert; they’re an experience, a tradition, a reason to gather and share stories. Each bite of these sweet, nutty bars brings warmth and joy, making them a staple at our Thanksgiving table. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or as a sweet end to a hearty meal, Pecan Bars are the perfect companion for any occasion. Trust me; once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’re a family favorite!

What’s In This Pecan Bars

The classic ingredients that come together to create Pecan Bars are nothing short of magic. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the deliciousness we all crave. The buttery crust provides a rich base, while the filling made from pecans, corn syrup, and brown sugar brings sweetness and depth. Let’s look at what makes these bars so irresistible.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the crust, creating a sturdy base.
• ¾ cup cold unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a flaky texture in the crust.
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust, giving it a delicate flavor.
• Pinch salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Used in the filling, ensuring a richer taste.
• 1 cup light brown sugar: Imparts a deep sweetness and chewy texture.
• Pinch salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup: Adds moisture and helps bind the filling.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla: Infuses a warm, inviting flavor.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling for a perfect consistency.
• 3 cups coarsely chopped pecans: The star ingredient, providing crunch and nutty flavor.

Making This Pecan Bars

Making Pecan Bars is a delightful process that brings together the warmth of baking and the joy of creating something special. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat to share in no time!

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. This is an important step, as a preheated oven ensures even baking. You’ll want it hot and ready for your Pecan Bars to bake perfectly.

2. Line a 13×9-inch metal pan with foil, leaving an overhang of about 2 inches on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the bars after baking. Lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.

3. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of cold unsalted butter, ⅔ cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand; don’t worry if it doesn’t look like dough just yet. This is the base for your crust.

4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, slightly up the sides. It should be compact to hold together when baked. Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges are golden.

5. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

6. Next, add ⅓ cup of light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and 3 cups of coarsely chopped pecans. Mix until just combined. The filling should have a dough-like texture but be slightly sticky.

7. Spread the filling evenly over the baked crust. It’s okay if some of the crust peeks through, as the filling will spread during baking.

8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and a deep caramel color. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make it hard to wait!

9. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Pecan Bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set.

10. Finally, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares of your desired size, and arrange them on a serving tray.

Expert Tips about Pecan Bars

When making Pecan Bars, a few expert tips can elevate your dessert game. Follow these suggestions to ensure your bars come out perfect every time!

• Storage: Store your Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They also freeze well, making them great for meal prep!
• Freezing: If you want to make these bars ahead of time, freeze them in individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. I love reheating leftovers for a few seconds in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
• Variations: Experiment with other nuts like walnuts or add a drizzle of chocolate on top for a unique twist!

Perfect Pairings for Pecan Bars

When it comes to serving Pecan Bars, there are endless possibilities to enhance your enjoyment. Here are some great pairing ideas:

• Perfect for Thanksgiving: These bars are a classic dessert for the Thanksgiving table, complementing the flavors of autumn dishes.
• Afternoon Tea: Serve these bars alongside your afternoon tea for a delightful treat that elevates your tea time.
• Family Gatherings: They make a fantastic sweet addition to any family gathering or potluck event.
• With Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea; the sweetness of the bars pairs perfectly with the bitterness of these beverages.
• Seasonal Events: Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or as a cozy winter treat with hot cocoa.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pecan Bars are a wonderful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, wrapped in a buttery crust that everyone loves. They are not just a recipe; they’re a cherished tradition that can elevate any gathering or special occasion. I encourage you to try making them; the joy they bring to your table is truly unmatched!

Pecan Bars

The ultimate comfort food for fall, Pecan Bars are rich, sweet, and nutty treats that everyone will love. With their buttery crust and gooey filling, these bars are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. Make them tonight to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 servings

Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

• KitchenAid stand mixer
• Nordic Ware Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• ¾ cup Cold Unsalted Butter Cubed
• ⅔ cup Powdered Sugar
• Pinch Salt
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter Softened
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
• Pinch Salt
• ⅓ cup Light Corn Syrup
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
• 3 cups Coarsely Chopped Pecans

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350° F.
• Line a 13×9-inch metal pan with foil, allowing an overhang about 2 inches off the sides. Lightly grease the foil.
• In a food processor, blend together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of cold unsalted butter, ⅔ cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and slightly up the sides. Bake until the edges are golden, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add ½ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add ⅓ cup of light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and 3 cups of coarsely chopped pecans and mix until just combined.
• Spread the filling over the baked crust. It’s okay if some of the crust peeks through.
• Bake until the filling is very bubbly and a deep caramel color, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
• Remove the bars from the pan by pulling up the foil sides and putting it on a cutting board. Cut bars in desired size with a sharp knife and arrange them on a serving tray.

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure you know how to measure flour correctly. Use this same method for measuring the powdered sugar.
• Tip 2: If your brown sugar has hardened, check out my tricks for how to soften brown sugar.
• Tip 3: If you have run out of brown sugar, use a simple brown sugar substitute instead.

Keyword easy Pecan Bars, fall dessert recipe, Pecan Bars recipe, Thanksgiving Pecan Bars

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!