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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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