Description
These Pecan Shortbread Bars are buttery, rich, and perfectly crumbly with a sweet pecan topping. Featuring a classic shortbread base with a toasted pecan and brown sugar glaze, they make a delightful dessert or snack perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars combine simple ingredients for an irresistibly nutty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking both the shortbread base and pecan topping.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Shortbread Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.
- Form Shortbread Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan creating a flat and even layer to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake Shortbread Base: Bake the shortbread base for 20-25 minutes until it turns lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup if using. Stir until the pecans are well coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Assemble Bars: Evenly spread the pecan topping over the slightly cooled shortbread base, ensuring full coverage for a crunchy, sweet layer.
- Bake Pecan Topping: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the pecans are toasted and the topping becomes golden and bubbly.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool entirely in the pan to set properly before cutting.
- Serve: Once completely cooled, cut the shortbread into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy the buttery, nutty treat!
Notes
- For added flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the topping.
- Make sure the shortbread base is slightly cooled before spreading the topping to prevent it from sinking into the dough.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the bars.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile or leave it out entirely.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
