Description
Butter Pecan Bars are rich dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, caramel-like brown sugar filling and toasted pecans. They’re ideal for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or potluck treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in toasted chopped pecans until evenly coated.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden brown.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Toast pecans for deeper flavor—bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Cool bars fully before slicing for clean edges.
- Use dark brown sugar for a more intense molasses flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for added depth.
- Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage—thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
