Crunchy Pecan Bars

Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery shortbread and gooey caramelized pecans with these Crunchy Pecan Bars! Perfectly balanced between nutty, sweet, and a touch of salt, this easy dessert features a golden crust topped with a luscious pecan filling made from brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla for a rich, homemade flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep and straightforward steps, these bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or an everyday treat. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for an addictive crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups light brown sugar
• 0.75 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups pecans (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Step 4

Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 5

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use your hands or the bottom of a flat glass to smooth it down.

Step 6

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 7

While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1.5 cups of light brown sugar, and 0.75 cups of heavy cream. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling gently, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 cups of chopped pecans.

Step 9

Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the baked crust, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure the pecans are evenly distributed.

Step 10

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and has set slightly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate for 1 hour to fully set the topping.

Step 12

Once cooled and set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 16 squares or bars.

Step 13

Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1267.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5748.3

Total Fat 319.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 106.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 428mg	0%
Sodium 1335.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 715.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 510.6g
Protein 46.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 402.1mg	0%
Iron 17.6mg	0%
Potassium 1592.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.6%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 48.3%