Christmas Goodies

Brown Sugar Pecan Bars

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I’ll be honest.  I’m not a fan of pecans. Seems like I’m in the minority there… BUT I love to bake with them! I can still appreciate the flavors and richness of pecans when they are blended with and surrounded by other sweet elements. I created these bars because I had some pecans in the pantry that I didn’t want to go stale – so this was born out of thriftiness and necessity 🙂 However, they turned out PERFECTLY and offer just the right amount of yum! They are brown sugary, maple-infused bars with pecans and honey. How can you go wrong? Hope you enjoy!

WHAT YOU NEED:

CRUST

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 3/4 cup flour

TOPPING

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
  • 2 cups toasted pecans

MAKE THEM:

CRUST

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare a 13″x9″ pan by placing parchment paper inside with the edges hanging over (so you can lift it out easily once it’s done).

In your mixer, beat the first three ingredients of the crust, then gradually add the flour until combined.

Press into the pan evenly and bake 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

TOPPING

Place your pecans in a shallow baking dish and put in the oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are aromatic and toasted. Set aside.

Add the first five ingredients of the topping to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow to boil for about a minute.

Remove from heat and add pecans and extract.

Pour over crust, and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbling in the center.

Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares and ENJOY!

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5 from 4 votes

Brown Sugar Pecan Bars

These bars feature a beautiful mix of brown sugar, honey, maple, and pecan to make a bar you definitely won't forget!

Ingredients

CRUST

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 3/4 cup flour

TOPPING

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
  • 2 cups toasted pecans

Instructions

CRUST

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Prepare a 13"x9" pan by placing parchment paper inside with the edges hanging over (so you can lift it out easily once it's done).
  • In your mixer, beat the first three ingredients of the crust, then gradually add the flour until combined.
  • Press into the pan evenly and bake 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

TOPPING

  • Place your pecans in a shallow baking dish and put in the oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are aromatic and toasted. Set aside.
  • Add the first five ingredients of the topping to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow to boil for about a minute.
  • Remove from heat and add pecans and extract.
  • Pour over crust, and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until it's bubbling in the center.
  • Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares and ENJOY!

Jeni’s Disclaimer: I’m just a regular girl.  I love to drink wine while I bake.  I’m by no means a professional baker or pro photographer. My creations aren’t staged, they just are what they are, and that’s probably obvious from the pictures.  I create my recipes from inspiration of scents and flavors around me. I also repurpose my grandma’s old recipes. If you love to bake and your food ends up looking like REAL food, and not like something you’ll see on Instagram, you’re in the right place.

13 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I don’t have any pecans in my cupboard, but those look like walnuts. I think either would work for this.

  2. 5 stars
    My mom would love these! She has a HUGE sweet tooth. Love the nuts on top.

  3. 5 stars
    I love Pecan Pie and these remind me of that! Definitely going to give this recipe a try!

  4. 5 stars
    This recipe sounds so yummy I am so printing this one out thanks for sharing it sounds amazing.

  5. 5 stars
    I could only make this if I was taking it to someone’s house. Otherwise I’d eat it all up.

  6. Jill Myrick Reply

    My husband is a huge fan of pecans and would seriously love these ! I see these in our future.

  7. 5 stars
    I don’t know how I missed this recipe but I m so looking forward to making it!

  8. Dorothy Boucher Reply

    4 stars
    This dessert looks amazing!! so much yumminess in this.
    @tisonlyme143

  9. Mary Gardner Reply

    I have several pecan pie fans in my house that would be super excited for these bars!

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