Southern Pecan Pie Bars (Printer-Friendly Version)

Buttery shortbread crust meets a sweet, gooey pecan topping for an irresistible southern-inspired treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Crust

01 - 3/4 cup salted butter, melted
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

→ Pecan Filling

05 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
07 - 1 cup light corn syrup
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Line a 9 by 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing edges to overhang for easy removal.
02 - Mix melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour in a bowl until a sticky, cohesive dough forms.
03 - Press dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes until set but still pale.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk eggs, then add brown sugar, corn syrup, and flour. Mix until smooth, then fold in chopped pecans until thoroughly coated.
05 - Pour pecan filling evenly over the warm crust.
06 - Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Bake bars for 25 to 30 minutes until top is golden and the center is just set.
07 - Cool bars in the pan on a rack, then refrigerate until filling is firm for clean slicing.
08 - Lift bars from pan using parchment, cut into squares, and serve.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Chill thoroughly before slicing for precise squares.
02 - Toast pecans before mixing into the filling for enhanced depth of flavor.
03 - Bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.