Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe

Introduction

Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich, sweet pecan filling. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent snack, these bars balance a tender base with crunchy pecans for a satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for filling)
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and mix until the dough becomes crumbly.
4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for about 22 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl until smooth. Gently fold in the pecan pieces.
6. Step 6: When the crust is done, pour the pecan filling over it and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set and golden on top.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the filling.
• Use dark corn syrup and dark brown sugar for a richer, more caramel-like taste.
• Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred or for a slightly different texture.
• Make sure the butter is at room temperature to help create a tender crust.

Storage

Store the pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pecan bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent to maintain the texture.

How can I tell when the pecan filling is fully baked?

The filling should look set and slightly golden on top. It will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it from becoming too hard.

Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. These bars combine the sweetness of corn syrup and brown sugar with a nutty crunch, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling

• 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the 1 cup of all-purpose flour until the dough becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until it turns a golden brown color.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the pecan pieces to evenly distribute them throughout the filling.
5. Add Filling and Bake: Once the crust is done baking, pour the prepared pecan filling evenly over the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top has turned a golden, slightly caramelized color.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the pecan bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve as a delicious dessert or snack.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming to achieve a fluffy crust.
• For a deeper flavor, use dark corn syrup and dark brown sugar.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• For a nuttier taste, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Joanna Gaines, pecan bars, dessert bars, pecan dessert, sweet bars, corn syrup bars, easy pecan bars, homemade pecan bars