Delicious Southern Pecan Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless? Look no further than these delectable Carolina Pecan Bars. With a buttery shortbread base and a gooey, caramel-like pecan topping, these bars are sure to steal the show at any gathering. They’re like the beloved pecan pie’s more convenient, party-ready cousin, boasting a crispy crust that holds up beautifully when sliced.

A family favorite that’s been passed down through generations, these Carolina Pecan Bars hold a special place in my heart. Inspired by my grandmother’s recipe, I’ve added a touch of nostalgia and a hint of modern flair to create a treat that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make. The aroma of butter, caramel, and pecans wafting through the kitchen will transport you to holiday memories of yesteryears. So, whip up a batch of these bars, and watch them disappear as quickly as you can say, “Carolina Pecan Bars!”

Quick Benefits

• Impressive dessert without hours of fussing
• Perfect ratio of buttery shortbread base to gooey, caramel-like pecan topping
• Portable and party-friendly cousin of traditional pecan pie
• Ability to serve with versatility: as-is, warm with ice cream, or as a homemade gift

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Southern Pecan Bars Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Yet Easy: Perfect for when you want a dessert that looks impressive but is actually easy to make.
• Irresistible Flavor Contrast: Enjoy the contrast between the buttery shortbread base and the gooey, caramel-like pecan topping.
• Portable and Party-Friendly: A more portable and party-friendly version of pecan pie with a crisp crust that holds up beautifully when sliced.
• Family Favorite: Loved by all generations, from the die-hard pie purist uncle to the grandmother who used to make them every Christmas.
• Nostalgic Aroma: The buttery, caramel-pecan aroma will fill your kitchen and bring back memories of holidays spent with loved ones.
• Versatile: Serve them warm with ice cream for a special dessert, cut into smaller pieces for casual gatherings, or package as homemade gifts during the holidays.
• Variety of Flavors: Customize with bourbon, dark chocolate chips, or warm spices for different flavor profiles.
• Improved with Time: Tastes even better on day two as the flavors meld together, and can be stored for up to 5 days or frozen for later enjoyment.
• Bake Sale Favorite: A tried-and-true recipe for bake sales, cookie exchanges, and potlucks that will have people asking for more.

Ingredients for Delicious Southern Pecan Bars Recipe

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ice water

For the Pecan Filling

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

How to Make Delicious Southern Pecan Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and mix until dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before preparing the filling.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Boil without stirring for 1 minute.

Step 5: Add Pecans

Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling bubbles and sets. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

After the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.

Storage Tips

Once the Carolina Pecan Bars are made, it is important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. These bars actually taste better on the second day as the flavors have time to meld together. Store the bars in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method keeps the bars fresh and ensures they maintain their delicious texture.

If you have leftover Carolina Pecan Bars or want to prepare them in advance, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, separate the bars into layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, thaw the bars at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This freezing method allows you to enjoy these delightful pecan bars even weeks after making them, making it a convenient option for future enjoyment or gifting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for the Carolina pecan bars, consider using different nuts instead of pecans, such as walnuts or almonds. These nuts also provide a great flavor and texture that would work well in the bars. You could also try a combination of different nuts for added variety.

For a dairy-free version, you can swap the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil. Make sure the margarine is solid and cold when cutting it into the flour for the shortbread base. The heavy cream can be replaced with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond milk for the filling. This adjustment will make the bars suitable for those with dairy allergies or preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful and elegant dessert presentation, serve the Carolina Pecan Bars warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of butter pecan ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, gooey pecan topping against the cold, creamy accompaniment will create a delicious sensory experience that your guests will love.

To elevate your coffee or tea gathering, cut the Carolina Pecan Bars into small bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries and mini pastries. This will not only add a touch of sophistication to your table but also provide a variety of treats for your guests to enjoy with their beverages.

FAQs for Delicious Southern Pecan Bars Recipe

Can I substitute the pecans with a different nut?

While pecans are traditional for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts to create your own unique flavor profile.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter in baking recipes to have more control over the salt content. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate.

Can I make these Carolina pecan bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste better on day two when the flavors have had time to meld. You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well for longer storage.

How can I add a twist to the traditional recipe?

You can customize these bars by adding a tablespoon of bourbon for a grown-up version, mixing in dark chocolate chips for a chocolate twist, or incorporating spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a hint of warmth. Feel free to get creative with the flavors!

Conclusion

Carolina Pecan Bars truly hold a special place in my heart, and I hope they become a beloved treat in your home as well. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars never fail to impress with their delicious blend of buttery goodness and nutty sweetness. The versatility of this recipe allows for creative variations, making it easy to tailor the flavors to suit your preferences or surprise your guests with a unique twist.

As you savor each bite of these Carolina Pecan Bars, I hope you feel the warmth and nostalgia that comes with sharing homemade treats with loved ones. Remember to enjoy them in good company, celebrating the joy that good food and sweet moments bring to our lives. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delightful bars, and let the aroma of pecans and memories fill your kitchen once again. Cheers to baking and creating beautiful moments with Carolina Pecan Bars!

Delicious Southern Pecan Bars Recipe

Carolina Pecan Bars: A buttery shortbread base topped with a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a homemade gift.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time45 Minutes

Total Time65 Minutes

CuisineSouthern American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings24 Servings (24 bars)

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ice water

For the Pecan Filling

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and mix until dough starts to come together.
3. Bake the Crust: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before preparing the filling.
4. Make the Pecan Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Boil without stirring for 1 minute.
5. Add Pecans: Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling bubbles and sets. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Cut and Serve: After the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.