Sweet Southern Carolina Pecan Bars Recipe for Home Bakers

Nutty, sweet, and irresistibly Southern, these Carolina pecan bars capture the essence of classic Southern desserts.

Crisp, buttery layers meld with rich pecans in a delightful treat that sings of comfort and tradition.

Every bite tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and regional charm.

The golden, caramelized surface hints at the decadent layers waiting beneath.

Warm, toasted pecans dance through a tender, crumbly base that melts in your mouth.

Each bar represents a slice of Southern hospitality on a plate.

Prepare to savor a dessert that connects you to generations of baking magic.

Carolina Pecan Bar Twist Options

• Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, nutty flavor.
• Vegan Caramel Pecan Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of honey, and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Substitute pecans with walnuts and use pure maple syrup in place of honey to create a classic New England-inspired dessert with deeper, woodsy notes.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining the decadent texture and nutty crunch.

Serve Carolina Pecan Bars With Coffee

• Cozy Dessert Companion: Pair these Carolina Pecan Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent twist that balances the rich, caramel-like pecan filling.
• Sweet Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of dark roast coffee or a smooth bourbon-infused hot toddy to complement the nutty, sweet flavors of the bars.
• Elegant Presentation Tip: Dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar just before serving to add a delicate, sophisticated touch that makes them look professionally prepared.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them perfect for advanced party preparation or unexpected guests.

Store Carolina Pecan Bars In Tins

• Store the Carolina Pecan Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delectable treats can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their rich, buttery flavor.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short period. Place them in a sealed container away from direct sunlight to preserve their crisp crust and gooey pecan filling.

FAQs

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, but pecans give the classic Southern flavor that makes these bars special.

• How do I prevent the filling from burning?

Watch the bars carefully during the second baking and use a moderate oven temperature. If edges brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

• What's the best way to cut clean bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Let the bars cool completely so the filling sets and makes cutting easier.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, a medium saucepan, and basic baking tools like a whisk and spatula.

Carolina Pecan Bars Buttery Southern Treat

• Bake with Minimal Effort: This recipe requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Packed with rich pecans and sweet caramel-like filling, these bars guarantee smiles from family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert moments.
• Prep and Enjoy Smoothly: With straightforward ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions, you can create these delectable bars without spending hours in the kitchen, allowing more time to savor and share.
• Elevate Everyday Desserts: Transform a basic baking experience into a gourmet-style treat that looks impressive and tastes phenomenal, giving you a professional-quality dessert with home-style charm.

Carolina Pecan Bar Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic ingredient that provides the base structure for the shortbread crust.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, crumbly texture in the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bar.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and rich base for the pecan bars.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the crust ingredients together without overworking the dough.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the pecan filling.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky filling.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the creamy and luxurious consistency of the filling.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors of the filling.
• Pecans: The star ingredient that gives these bars their classic Southern character.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking pan.

Steps For Baking Carolina Pecan Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Create a smooth lining in a 9×13-inch baking pan using parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create Shortbread Crust

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Integrate cold butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until it transforms into rough crumbly texture.

Splash in ice water and gently blend until the dough starts forming.

Step 3: Bake the Crust Foundation

Spread the dough uniformly across the pan’s bottom.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Carefully remove and let rest momentarily.

Step 4: Craft Pecan Filling

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Salt

Stir consistently until butter melts and ingredients merge smoothly.

Boost heat and allow mixture to bubble for one minute without stirring.

Step 5: Incorporate Pecans

Remove saucepan from heat.

• Chopped pecans
• Vanilla extract

Pour the filling evenly across the pre-baked crust using a spatula.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return pan to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until filling bubbles and sets completely.

Extract from oven and cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

After cooling, lift bars from pan using parchment paper overhang.

Cut into delectable squares or rectangles.

Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Carolina Pecan Bar Success Tips Shared

• Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into the flour mixture to ensure a flakier, more tender shortbread crust that creates a perfect base for the pecan filling.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the bar's overall taste profile.
• Watch the sugar mixture carefully when boiling, using a candy thermometer to reach exactly 240-250°F for a smooth, glossy pecan filling that sets perfectly.
• Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts to create clean, precise edges when slicing the bars, ensuring a professional-looking presentation.

Carolina Pecan Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets nutty indulgence in these Carolina Pecan Bars, a delightful dessert that whispers tales of Georgia’s rich culinary heritage. Crisp buttery crust and caramelized pecan filling create a luxurious treat you’ll want to savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons ice water

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for crust)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by positioning the oven rack to the middle position and heating to 350F (175C). Create a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch pan using parchment paper with extended edges for easy extraction.
2. Craft the shortbread foundation by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter through a cutting technique until the mixture transforms into sandy-like texture. Introduce ice water gradually, blending until the dough coheres.
3. Distribute the dough uniformly across the pan’s bottom, ensuring consistent thickness. Slide into the preheated oven and bake approximately 20 minutes until edges turn delicate golden brown. Allow slight cooling before proceeding.
4. Construct the pecan glaze by merging brown sugar, honey, butter, cream, and salt in a saucepan over medium temperature. Continuously stir until ingredients meld smoothly. Elevate heat, permitting the mixture to reach a rolling boil for precisely 60 seconds without disturbing.
5. Immediately remove from heat, folding chopped pecans and vanilla extract into the molten mixture. Cascade the glossy filling across the preliminary crust, utilizing a spatula to achieve uniform coverage.
6. Return to the oven, baking 20-25 minutes until the topping develops a effervescent, solidified consistency. Extract and position on a wire cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction.
7. Once thoroughly cooled, leverage the parchment paper’s extended margins to extract the entire confection. Slice into precise geometric portions, presenting at ambient temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the overall taste of the bars.
• Ensure butter is cold when making the crust to create a flaky, tender shortbread base that crumbles perfectly.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts when slicing the bars into serving pieces.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg