PECAN SQUARES

By shygirl

Ingredients

• Crust:*
• 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Topping:*
• 1 1/3 cups unsalted butter
• 2/3 cups of honey
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tbsp. cream
• 1 1/2 lbs. pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Details

Servings 20

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 deg. Spray an 18" X 12" X 1" baking sheet lightly with non-stick cooking spray and line with parchment paper, allowing the paper to come up beyond the sides and ends of the pan.

For the crust: Beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla, mix well. Sift together the dry ingredients. Slowly add dry ingredients into butter mixture and mix just until combined. Press the dough evenly into the lined baking sheet, forming a slight edge around the outside. Bake for 20 minutes or until just starting to turn golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

For the topping: Combine the butter, honey, and brown sugar in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat until butter is melted, stirring regularly. Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the cream, pecans, salt, and vanilla. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the topping mixture between the crust and the parchment paper or between the parchment paper and the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until filling is set. Carefully remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Makes 20 large squares.