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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth layer.
3. Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the Pecan Filling
In another mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
Stir in the toasted pecan halves until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
5. Assemble the Bars
Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pecan pie bars as they are or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They are delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Tips for Success
- Toast the Pecans: To enhance their flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage—just thaw before serving.
- Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost!
Conclusion
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars offer a delightful and simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, shareable form. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite dessert in your household. Bake a batch today and indulge in the rich, nutty goodness that everyone will love!