Description
A buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, honey-sweetened pecan filling. These bars slice beautifully and make an easy dessert for holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (about 14 oz)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add cold diced butter and cut into the flour until crumbly.
- Press mixture evenly into the pan.
- Bake 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden.
2. Make the Filling
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, and butter.
- Heat over medium until the butter melts and mixture bubbles.
- Remove from heat; whisk in cream, salt, and vanilla.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
3. Bake the Bars
- Pour pecan mixture over the warm crust.
- Bake 20–22 minutes, until bubbling and lightly set.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Ensure bars cool fully for clean slices.
- Toast pecans beforehand for extra flavor.
- Use parchment overhang to lift bars easily from the pan.
- Freeze up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes