Decadent Pecan Bars Your Family Will Love

Pecan pie has long been a holiday favorite with my family.  It's one of those desserts I reserve only for the holidays because it is so rich and calorie intense.  In my opinion, it is decadence that makes a perfect holiday treat.

I've been looking for desserts lately that are easily served in smaller portions after noticing the family prefers bites of goodies rather than whole slices of pies or cakes. Wanting to keep the essence of pecan pie on our menu I thought a pecan square might make a great substitution.  These pecan squares will be a tasty bite for any holiday table.

The Best Pecan Bars

Pecan Squares

When you first read this pecan square recipe you are apt to be horrified!  2-1/4 cups of butter, 3-3/4 cups of sugar, 2 pounds of pecans...  The list of ingredients conjures up visions of a heart attack waiting to happen and the recipe is expensive to make.  On the other hand, when making these pecan bars for a holiday celebration a little decadence is expected.

Tips for Baking Pecan Bars with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

• Plan to bake your squares at least a day in advance of serving. You'll want these squares to fully cool and set before cutting. Chilling overnight in the refrigerator is helpful.
• Use a rimmed half-sheet pan.  Other-sized pans will not be right for this recipe. The amount of pecan filling is generous.
• Line your sheet pan completely with foil.  Grease the foil. Keep the foil nice and smooth.  I had a couple of spots where the foil stuck to the squares, so take your time with this.  The foil can be hard to get off.
• Bake the squares on the center rack of your oven. Cover the bottom rack with foil in case the squares bubble over.  It will burn and make a mess that you'll have trouble cleaning up without the foil.  If you spread your filling carefully it won't make a mess.
• Cut your squares into small servings, about 1-1/2" square or 1" x 2" rectangles.  Any larger is just too much.
• Do drizzle the bars with chocolate to make the squares extra special.
• These squares freeze beautifully so feel free to make them now and serve them later.

Decadent Pecan Bars with Chocolate Drizzle

Printer Friendly Recipe

Decadent Pecan Bars and Oreo Truffles

Shortbread Crust

• 5 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Pecan Topping

• 4 sticks of unsalted butter
• 1 cup honey
• 3 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 pounds pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil, keeping the foil smooth. Grease the foil.

To make the crust, beat the butter and granulated sugar together using your electric mixer, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and the vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together with a whisk. Add the flour mixture to the batter, stirring just to combine. The batter will be sticky.

Press the dough evenly onto your sheet pan making an edge around the outside. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until the crust is set but not browned. Set aside to cool.

To make the topping, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat.  Add the honey and brown sugar, stirring to combine well.  Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.  Let the mixture boil for three minutes.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the heavy cream and pecans.

Immediately, pour the nut mixture over the crust spreading evenly and leaving the edges free of the topping.  Bake the squares for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping appears set.  Cool completely before adding the chocolate drizzle.

Make the Chocolate Drizzle

• 6 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp Crisco shortening

Melt the chocolate and shortening together in a double boiler or microwave. When using the microwave. Heat the chocolate and shortening for 15-20 seconds at a time, stirring in between.  Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, drizzle the chocolate over the squares.  Let the chocolate set. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight before cutting into squares.

Chocolate-Topped Pecan Squares

Don't be afraid to make these pecan squares. They'll be a welcome addition to your dessert table for holidays or any special occasion throughout the year.

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Enjoy!