Buttery Pecan Delight Bars
Indulge in these decadent Buttery Pecan Delight Bars, where a light and crumbly shortbread crust meets a rich, gooey pecan topping. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These bars not only make a splendid treat for gatherings but also serve as a cozy dessert during the holiday season. For an alternative twist, try substituting pecans with walnuts for a delightful variation. The key to this recipe is to blend the crust ingredients in a food processor for that perfect buttery texture, and to pour the luscious topping over the crust as soon as it comes out of the oven, ensuring every bite is a flavor-packed experience. A must-try for bar cookie lovers!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cold butter
3/4 cup (cut into small pieces)
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (regular table salt)
coarsely chopped pecans
2 cups (fresh or toasted)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
light brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
honey
1/3 cup (raw or clover honey)
whipping cream
2 tablespoons (unwhipped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the second-lowest position.
2
Lightly butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
3
To prepare the crust, combine the cold butter, flour, light brown sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles small clumps.
4
Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan and evenly sprinkle it across the bottom. Using a spatula, lightly press it down, ensuring not to compact it too much.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
6
While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan topping. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, honey, and whipping cream, and let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally until everything is well combined.
7
Remove from heat and fold in the coarsely chopped pecans until evenly coated.
8
Once the crust is done baking, pour the warm pecan mixture over the hot crust and spread it evenly.
9
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden.
10
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for a while before slicing.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
14g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buttery Pecan Delight Bars?
Buttery Pecan Delight Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a light, crumbly shortbread crust paired with a rich and gooey pecan topping.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust consists of cold butter cut into small pieces, all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, and regular table salt.
How do I prepare the baking pan for these bars?
You should lightly butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking during the baking process.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the preparation.
Where should I place the oven rack?
The oven rack should be positioned in the second-lowest position for the best results.
What is the best way to combine the crust ingredients?
Use a food processor to pulse the cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles small clumps.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts for a delicious alternative variation.
How long should the crust bake initially?
Bake the crust for approximately 20 minutes or until it becomes golden brown.
How do I assemble the pecan topping?
Melt unsalted butter in a heavy saucepan, stir in light brown sugar, honey, and whipping cream, then simmer for one minute before folding in the pecans.
How long does the topping mixture need to simmer?
The mixture of butter, brown sugar, honey, and cream should simmer for about 1 minute while stirring occasionally.
What kind of honey is recommended?
The recipe suggests using either raw or clover honey for the topping.
Should the cream be whipped before adding it to the topping?
No, use 2 tablespoons of unwhipped whipping cream for the pecan mixture.
Do I pour the topping on a hot or cold crust?
Pour the warm pecan mixture over the hot crust immediately after the crust is finished with its first bake.
What is the final baking time once the topping is added?
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden.
How should I cool the bars before cutting?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; for easier slicing, you can refrigerate them for a short time before cutting into squares.
Are these bars suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, they serve as a cozy dessert that is perfect for holiday seasons and general gatherings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving of these bars.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each bar contains 14 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What size baking pan is required?
This recipe requires a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Is salted or unsalted butter used for the topping?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter for the pecan topping mixture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used to make these bars.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
Packed light brown sugar is used in both the shortbread crust and the pecan topping.
Should the pecans be chopped?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of coarsely chopped pecans, which can be fresh or toasted.
How should I press the crust into the pan?
Use a spatula to lightly press the mixture down, ensuring you do not compact it too much.
Can I make these bars without a food processor?
While a food processor is recommended for the perfect buttery texture, the key is reaching a state where the mixture resembles small clumps.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of regular table salt is added to the crust ingredients.
Are these considered bar cookies?
Yes, they are described as a must-try for bar cookie lovers.
What should I look for to know the bars are done?
The bars are ready when the pecan topping appears bubbly and has reached a golden color.