Description
These squares offer a delightful crunch with a buttery pecan topping over a shortbread crust. They are easy to make and perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the pecan topping evenly over the warm crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For easier cutting, chill the squares in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pecan squares, crunch bars, shortbread, dessert, sweet treat, pecan crunch