Carolina Pecan Bars are a delightful treat that never fails to satisfy my sweet tooth cravings. With a buttery base and a generous layer of crunchy pecans drizzled in a rich caramel sauce, every bite is a perfect harmony of sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecans roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Make the Pecan Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Bars
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and has set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Serving and Storage
- Serve the Carolina Pecan Bars at room temperature. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerated for longer storage.
