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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
