Delectable Pecan Pie Bars with a Shortbread Crust

Elevate your dessert repertoire with these pecan pie bars, a splendid twist on the classic pecan pie. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust that perfectly complements a rich, gooey filling, topped with crunchy pecans for an irresistibly layered texture.

Why You’ll Love This: These pecan pie bars offer the beloved taste of traditional pecan pie but with the added delight of a homemade shortbread crust, providing a satisfying crunch against the soft filling. They're easy to make, serve, and enjoy, making them ideal for any gathering or a cozy night in.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat during the holiday season. They are also fantastic for weekend baking projects when you want to create something sweet and satisfying without the fuss of a traditional pie.

Decoration Tips: Once cooled, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for an extra touch of sweetness. For a festive look, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Part 1: Shortbread Crust

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup superfine white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Instructions:
  1. Line a 9x9 baking pan with greased parchment paper.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Whisk together the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
  6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
  7. Press the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing with the back of a spoon or spatula.
  8. Refrigerate the crust for 15-30 minutes.
  9. Bake the crust for 20-23 minutes until very lightly golden.

Part 2: Pecan Pie Filling

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon agar agar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 2.5 cups pecan halves
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
  2. Add salt, agar agar, honey, corn syrup, and vanilla extract; whisk until well combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  4. Stir in pecan halves until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the filling over the baked shortbread crust.
  6. Bake for about 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the filling has set and is bubbly.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Enjoy these luscious pecan pie bars, a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the richness of pecan pie and the crisp texture of shortbread. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!