If you or your loved ones are in the mood for some pecan pie this Christmas, consider trying out these Pecan Bars instead. No rolling out pie crust needed, and they are ready to enjoy in no time! So easy, and perfectly rich and delicious for your holiday gatherings. Happy Baking!
Ingredients:
1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed (2 1/3 ounces) light brown sugar
1/4 cup pecans,toasted and chopped coarse
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and chilled
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed (3 1/2 ounces) light brown sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon bourbon or dark rum (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 3/4 cups pecans, toasted and chopped coarse
Directions:
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x9-inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving extra foil hanging over the edges of the pan. (Using 2 long sheets overlapped perpendicularly works well.) Press and smooth foil into the corners of the pan. Grease the foil and set pan aside.
- Pulse the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and pecans in food processor until the mixture resembles coarse corneal. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Press mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake until crust is lightly golden brown and springs back when pressed, about 20 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, bourbon, and salt in medium bowl until just combined. Add egg and whisk until incorporated.
- Pour filling mixture over hot crust and sprinkle pecans evenly over the top. Bake until top is golden brown and surface begins to crack, 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Remove bars from pan by lifting the foil from the pan and moving entire contents of pan to a cutting board. Cur into desired sized bars and serve.
Adapted slightly from: Cook's Illustrated Baking Book by America's Test Kitchen