Description
Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars combine sweet and nutty flavors in every bite, making them an irresistible 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 to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and mix until the dough becomes crumbly and holds together.
- Bake the Crust: Press the prepared dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and set.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the pecan pieces to evenly distribute them in the filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is baked and slightly cooled, pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pecan bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before slicing into squares. This helps the filling to set properly and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better crust texture.
- Use either light or dark corn syrup and sugars based on your preference for flavor intensity.
- Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to avoid a runny filling.
- Pecan pieces can be lightly toasted before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan bars, Joanna Gaines recipe, pecan dessert, nut bars, buttery crust, sweet pecan filling, baked dessert
