Indulge in the delightful crunch and rich flavor of these Pecan Pie Bars, featuring a light and flaky puff pastry crust topped with a gooey pecan filling. Perfect for fall yet irresistible enough to enjoy year-round, these bars offer a perfect balance of texture and taste that pecan pie lovers will adore.
Why You’ll Love This: The combination of a buttery puff pastry and a sweet, nutty filling makes these pecan bars a standout dessert. The toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch, while the filling is smooth and rich, enhanced by the flavors of honey, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Perfect Occasion: These pecan pie bars are fantastic for seasonal gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a luxurious treat to accompany a cozy cup of coffee or tea. They are also excellent for bake sales and family desserts, offering a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant touch, drizzle these bars with a little caramel or chocolate sauce before serving. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt can also enhance the flavors and add a gourmet finish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 sheet premade, frozen puff pastry dough, blind baked
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup corn syrup
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the puff pastry sheet in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. To prevent the dough from puffing up, place baking beans or a second pan on top.
- Blind bake for about 13 minutes or according to package instructions. The pastry should not be fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and remove any weights used.
- Toast the Pecans:
- Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant but not dark. Set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, honey, corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the toasted pecans, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked puff pastry in the baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and set.
- The bars will emit a delightful, nutty aroma as they bake.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then place in the freezer for at least an hour to set completely.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing and crunchy experience.
Enjoy these magnificent pecan pie bars, a treat that combines the elegance of puff pastry with the classic appeal of pecan pie, making it a must-try for any dessert enthusiast!
