Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars

Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars - A Delicious Dessert Treat
Looking for a sweet and indulgent dessert that's easy to make? Try these Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars! This dessert is a perfect combination of buttery shortbread crust and rich, gooey pecan pie filling. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time.
Ingredients (serves 12):

For the shortbread crust:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the pecan pie filling:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure the butter for the shortbread crust is softened, but not melted. This will help the crust hold its shape.
- Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix the shortbread crust ingredients together until they form a crumbly dough.
- When making the pecan pie filling, be sure to whisk the eggs well before adding them to the mixture. This will help the filling set properly.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling will give the bars a richer, nuttier flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and softened butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the shortbread crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan pie filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, and whisk until well combined.
5. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
6. Pour the pecan pie filling over the baked shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing and serving.
Appearance and Taste:
These Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars are a beautiful golden brown color with a rich, nutty aroma. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, while the pecan pie filling is sweet and gooey with a satisfying crunch from the toasted pecans. These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Type of Dish: Dessert Bars
Main Ingredients: Pecans, Butter, Flour