Pecan Pie Bars, Southern Living

By MaryEllen

These chewy, bite-size bars require just 20 minutes of prep time.
* Combine two parts light corn syrup to one part molasses to replace cane syrup in a recipe.

Ingredients

• CRUST
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup butter, cubed
• Vegetable cooking spray
• FILLING
• 3/4 cup cane syrup * 1/2 cup corn syrup+1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups coarsely chopped toasted pecans

Details

Servings 32
Adapted from myrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Step 1

Prepare Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°. Pulse flour and next 3 ingredients in a food processor 8 to 10 times or until thoroughly combined and pecans are finely chopped; add butter, and pulse 8 or 9 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Line bottom and sides of a 13- x 9-inch pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil with cooking spray. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.
Step 2

Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 25 minutes).
Step 3

Prepare Filling:
Bring syrup and next 4 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until butter melts and mixture is smooth; boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and 3 cups coarsely chopped toasted pecans. Pour hot filling over cooled crust.
Step 4

Bake at 350° for 14 to 16 minutes or until filling bubbles in center. Cool bars completely in pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Chill bars 1 hour before cutting.