There’s something magical about the rich, buttery aroma of Carolina Pecan Bars wafting through your kitchen. These delightful treats strike the perfect balance between a shortbread-like base and a gooey, caramelized pecan topping that captures the essence of Southern baking traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars offer an accessible way to bring a touch of Carolina charm to your dessert table.
Inspired by generations of Southern home cooks, these pecan bars deliver all the beloved flavors of pecan pie but in a convenient, portable form that’s perfect for everything from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings. The contrast between the crisp base and the chewy, nutty topping creates an irresistible texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simpler than traditional pecan pie but with all the same beloved flavors
- Perfect make-ahead dessert that actually improves after sitting for a few hours
- Easily customizable with different nuts or add-ins to suit your taste
- No special equipment needed—just a bowl, spoon, and baking pan
- Travels well for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and mix until dough begins to come together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Let boil for 1 minute without stirring.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. Pour this filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and has set. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the filling for enhanced flavor
- Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent chocolate-pecan variation
- Substitute maple syrup for half the corn syrup for a more complex flavor profile
- For a bourbon twist, add 1 tablespoon of your favorite bourbon to the filling
- If the filling starts browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for an hour before slicing with a sharp knife
Serving Suggestions
These Carolina Pecan Bars are delicious on their own, but they reach new heights when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bars and cold cream creates a truly memorable dessert experience.
For a coffee shop-worthy presentation, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar and serve alongside a strong cup of coffee or hot tea. The bitter notes in the beverages perfectly complement the sweet, nutty flavors of the bars.
Notes
- Bars will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week
- To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
- The filling is properly set when it no longer jiggles in the center and has a slightly puffed appearance
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent the filling from oozing
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or a mixture of your favorite nuts work beautifully in this recipe.
My filling seems too runny after baking. What went wrong?
The bars likely needed a few more minutes in the oven. The filling should be set with just a slight jiggle in the center when done. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Is there a substitute for corn syrup?
You can use honey or golden syrup as alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. The texture may also be a bit different.
[recipe_card]
