Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe

Introduction

Pecan shortbread bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery, crumbly base with a sweet, crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to create a flat, uniform layer for even baking.
4. Step 4: Bake the shortbread base for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove and let it cool slightly.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup if using, making sure the pecans are well coated.
6. Step 6: Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread base.
7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbly and the pecans are toasted.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Step 9: Serve and enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of these buttery pecan shortbread bars.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, toast the pecans separately before mixing them with the other topping ingredients.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.
• Use honey for a subtle natural sweetness or maple syrup for a richer taste in the topping.
• Chill the dough briefly before pressing it into the pan to help with easier handling and a more compact base.

Storage

Store pecan shortbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, allow bars to come to room temperature or warm in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their buttery texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting the bars.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the shortbread base until it’s lightly golden and slightly cooled before adding the topping. This helps create a barrier that keeps the topping crisp and prevents sogginess.

Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 103 reviews

These Pecan Shortbread Bars combine a buttery, tender shortbread base with a rich, sweet pecan topping. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with toasted pecans for a crunchy, delicious treat for any occasion.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Topping

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the shortbread and the pecan topping layers.
2. Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent the bars from sticking.
3. Make Shortbread Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing well until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
4. Form Shortbread Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a flat and uniform layer for even baking.
5. Bake Shortbread Base: Bake the dough for 20-25 minutes until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding the topping.
6. Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and optional honey or maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the pecans are thoroughly coated.
7. Assemble Bars: Spread the pecan topping evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread base to cover it fully.
8. Bake Pecan Topping: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the pecans are toasted and the topping turns golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool entirely in the pan to allow the layers to set properly.
10. Serve: Once cooled, cut the shortbread into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy the buttery, nutty flavors with each bite!

Notes

• You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different but delicious sweetness.
• Make sure the shortbread base is slightly cooled before adding the topping to prevent it from sinking.
• Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the topping mixture.

Keywords: pecan shortbread bars, shortbread recipe, pecan bars, easy dessert, nutty bars, buttery shortbread