Picture a warm, cozy afternoon in autumn, with the smell of freshly baked goods filling the kitchen. Pecan bars are a delicious treat to try during the fall season. These simple dessert bars have a buttery crust, topped off with crunchy pecans. They also feature a luscious filling that tastes like caramel. Perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon cup of tea, these bars are a delicious way to indulge.
Pecan shortbread bars are not only irresistible because of their delicious flavor, but they’re also incredibly simple to make. This recipe is made with only six ingredients and captures the essence of classic pecan pies in bar form. No matter if you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will show you how to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for more.
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Buttery Shortbread Pecan Pie Bars : A Perfect Dessert
These Pecan Bars combine crunchy pecans with a caramelized topping on buttery shortbread. Pecan pie lovers must try this!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown packed sugar
- Butter, unsalted, 113 g (1stick), cold
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown packed sugar
- Butter, unsalted, 113 g (1stick), cold
Pecan Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Light brown sugar packed in 1/3 cup
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Half a cup pecan halves (or whole pecans) or 1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1. Prepare Oven and Pan. Preheat the oven to 356degF. Line an 8×8″ (20 cm x20cm) square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang so that you can remove it easily later.
2. Prepare the Shortbread Base In a food processing machine, combine all-purpose flour with light brown sugar and cold butter. Pulse in the food processor until you get coarse crumbs. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and use a spoon handle or your fingers to press it into an even layer.
3. Bake The Base : Bake the shortbread in the oven until it is golden brown. Remove the base from the preheated oven and allow it to cool a little while you prepare the topping.
4. Prepare Pecan Topping In a medium pan, combine butter unsalted, brown sugar and maple syrup. Heat on low, occasionally stirring until the butter has melted. Bring the mixture to a boiling point on high heat, while stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and stir in salt and pecans.
5. Assemble and Bake Again Pour the pecan mix evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Spread it with a spatula. Return the pan back to the oven for another 20 minutes until the topping becomes bubbly and golden.
6. Cool, then Slice : Let the bars cool in the pan until they are solid enough to be removed without breaking. This may take 45 minutes or an hour. Remove the bars using the parchment paper to transfer them onto a wire rack and let them cool. Once the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares.
Notes
It is easy to make these Pecan shortbread bars in advance. You can store them at room temp in an airtight box for up to a full week. The can be frozen up to three month. To prevent sticking, separate the layers by using parchment paper and cooling them completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 72mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
Equipment Needed
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan
- Parchment paper
- Food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula
- The wire rack is a cooling device.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pecan Bars can be made in no time with only six ingredients.
- Deliciously Rich : This dessert is hard to resist, with its buttery shortbread topping and sweet pecans.
- Versatile is perfect for any occasion – from holidays to afternoon snacks.
- Make Ahead Convenience These bars are ideal for busy schedules as they can be prepared in advanced.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Multi-Purpose flour: The base of your shortbread. Make a mix of gluten-free flour if you’re looking to bake a shortbread that’s gluten-free.
- Unsalted Butter : Use cold unsalted Butter for the best flavor and texture. Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
- Almonds: If you don’t own any almonds, walnuts can be just as effective. Mixing different nuts can create interesting flavors.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare workspace
Before baking, prepare your ingredients. Prepare your kitchen to make the baking process easier.
Step 2: Mixing the Shortbread base
Combine flour, brown-sugar, and butter in a food processer. Pulse to a crumbly consistency. This texture will ensure a flaky shortbread.
Step 3: Press and bake
Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed. Put it into your baking dish lined with baking parchment. Bake 20 minutes or until golden. This is the first step in making your Pecan shortbread bars.
Step 4: Make The Topping
In a pan, combine butter and brown sugar. Maple syrup enhances the flavor of the pecans. By boiling the mixture, you can create a thicker topping.
Step 5: Combine, bake again
Pour the mixture on top of the shortbread base after the pecans have been boiled. Return the pan back to the oven for the topping to become bubbly and set.
Step 6: Serve and Cool
After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan. This will help them harden and make slicing them easier. After they are fully cooled, cut them with a sharp blade into squares.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix When making the shortbread, mix only until all ingredients are combined. Overmixing may result in bars that are tough.
- Monitor the baking time: Watch the bars while they are baking. Ovens are different and you do not want them to burn.
- Use fresh ingredients : The freshness of the pecans and maple syrup that is of top quality, and freshly chopped pecans can greatly increase the flavor of the Pecan Bars.
Storage and reheating instructions
- Chocolate Pecan Bars: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Pecan Bars: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute chopped pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free alternative.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Remainings: Store your Pecan-Shortbread Bars airtight in a container at room temp. They can stay fresh up to a full week.
Freezing bars For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. They can be stored in an airtight jar with parchment paper for up to 3 months. For serving, defrost them at room temperatures or heat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan shortbread bars taste great on their own. But why not make them even better? Serve them warm alongside vanilla ice cream, or with whipped topping. Combine with a warm cup of spiced coffee or tea for an extra cozy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some interesting facts about pecan pies?
Pecan pie has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, becoming a cherished dessert after dinner in the American South. Native Americans first cultivated pecans, but French settlers in New Orleans created the pie we know today. Originally made without corn syrup, early recipes used molasses or maple syrup. Interestingly, pecans are the only major tree nut native to North America, and Texas declared pecan pie its official state dessert in 2013. The pie’s popularity surges during holidays, with an estimated 50 million pies baked for Thanksgiving alone.
How many calories is the pecan bar?
A typical 2×2-inch pecan bar contains approximately 225-275 calories. The caloric content varies based on ingredients and preparation method. The shortbread base contributes about 85 calories, while the pecan topping adds roughly 140 calories due to nuts, butter, and sugar content. A traditional recipe using butter and full sugar content will have higher calories than versions made with alternatives. The presence of chocolate or caramel can increase the calorie count by an additional 30-50 calories per serving.
What is pecan pie made of?
Traditional pecan pie combines simple yet rich ingredients. The base consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a mixture of eggs, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. The star ingredient – pecans – float to the top during baking, creating distinct layers. Modern variations might include bourbon, chocolate, or maple syrup for added flavor complexity. The ratio of ingredients is crucial: too much corn syrup makes it overly sweet, while too little prevents proper setting. Some bakers add a touch of salt or vanilla to enhance the nutty flavor.
How do you cut pecan bars?
Cutting pecan bars requires patience and proper technique for clean, professional-looking results. Start by allowing the bars to cool completely – ideally for at least two hours or overnight. Use a sharp, straight-edged knife, not a serrated one. Cut the knife in hot water to make sure to dry between each cut. For precise squares, measure and mark cutting lines before starting. Apply firm, straight downward pressure rather than sawing motions. Clean the knife blade after each cut to prevent sticky filling from tearing subsequent cuts. For best results, refrigerate bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
Related Recipes
If you like these Pecan shortbread bars you may also enjoy:
- Pumpkin Spice Bars A delicious fall treat that includes all the warm spices.
- Chocolate Pecan Cookies A delicious combination of pecans and chocolate in cookie form.
- Brownies with Salted Caramel: Rich chocolate brownies covered in a rich salted caramel.
These delicious Pecan Shortbread Bars will be sure to impress friends and family alike. These bars are a perfect combination of the flavors of autumn and baking. Grab your ingredients, and start baking – these bars will be a treat that you won’t regret! These bars will become a staple in your dessert collection, whether you are serving them at a holiday celebration or as a snack for an afternoon. Enjoy every delicious bite!