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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
