Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey or corn syrup
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cold cubed butter, granulated sugar, and salt for the crust. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey or corn syrup, and heavy cream for the pecan filling. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
6. Once boiling, continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pecan halves or pieces, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
8. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust in the baking pan, spreading it out with a spatula if needed.
9. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pecan filling is set and slightly bubbly.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and let the pecan pie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.
12. Serve the Pecan Pie Bars as a delicious dessert or snack, and enjoy the rich, buttery pecan filling with every bite!
13. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.