Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe

Introduction

Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling. These bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making them an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for filling)
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Gradually add 1 cup all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly.
4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for about 22 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl until smooth. Gently fold in the pecan pieces.
6. Step 6: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set and golden on top.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use toasted pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch.
• For a sweeter bar, substitute light corn syrup with dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and corn syrup.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the filling for a unique twist.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, use a slightly larger baking pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm individually in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes, though the classic flavor comes from pecans. Just use the same quantity and toast them lightly for best results.

How do I know when the filling is done baking?

The filling should be set and slightly puffed, with a golden brown top. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep a chewy texture.

Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 112 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (4×4 grid) 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars are a rich and buttery dessert featuring a crumbly shortbread crust topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling. These bars combine the classic flavors of brown sugar, corn syrup, and toasted pecans for a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling

• 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Gradually add the 1 cup of flour and mix until the dough becomes crumbly.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the pecan pieces to evenly distribute them.
5. Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the prepared pecan filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps the filling firm up. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• You can use either light or dark corn syrup and brown sugar depending on your preferred sweetness and flavor intensity.
• Make sure the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and fluffy crust mixture.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and proper texture.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 52 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pecan bars, Joanna Gaines, pecan dessert, shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, pecan recipes, holiday dessert, easy pecan bars