There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich, gooey goodness of a classic pecan pie. But sometimes you want all that deliciousness in a more portable, snackable form. Enter: Gooey Pecan Pie Bars! These sweet and nutty treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth on a lazy afternoon. With a buttery crust, a gooey pecan filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that perfect balance of sweet and salty, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
**Gooey Pecan Pie Bars**
**Ingredients:**
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the pecan filling:
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 3 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. To make the crust, in a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt until combined. Add in the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to bubble. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined. Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
5. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least an hour to set the filling before cutting into squares.
7. Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife. Enjoy your Gooey Pecan Pie Bars!
With their irresistible combination of buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, the flavors and textures of these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars will make them a delicious treat worth savoring.
