Perfect Pecan Bars

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Perfect Pecan Bars, a heavenly combination of buttery shortbread crust and rich, caramelized pecan topping. This easy dessert takes just 20 minutes to prep and features a luscious filling made with maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans for a decadent nutty flavor. The crisp, golden crust is the perfect foundation for the gooey, toffee-like layer that bakes to perfection in under an hour. Whether you're planning a holiday gathering or craving a cozy fall dessert, these pecan bars are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Cut into 16 squares, they're ideal for sharing—or savoring all to yourself! Serve them chilled or at room temperature for a versatile treat that's as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 227 grams unsalted butter
• 50 grams granulated sugar
• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 150 grams light brown sugar
• 120 milliliters maple syrup
• 80 milliliters heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200 grams pecans, roughly chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, cream 113 grams of softened butter (half of the total butter listed) with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 4

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Prick it all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles.

Step 5

Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 113 grams of butter over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the light brown sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream, stirring until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.

Step 9

Pour the pecan topping evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure even coverage.

Step 10

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and bubbling slightly at the edges.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and allow the pecan bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up before cutting.

Step 12

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife.

Step 13

Serve and enjoy! Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1084.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5378.2

Total Fat 367.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 142.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 582.6mg	0%
Sodium 1290.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 524.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.8g	0%
Total Sugars 314.8g
Protein 45.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 318.1mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 1331.5mg	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: 59.2%

Protein: 3.3%

Carbs: 37.5%