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Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe

4.8 from 133 reviews

Delight in these rich and buttery Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars featuring a golden, crumbly crust topped with a luscious pecan filling that is perfectly sweet and nutty. Ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic flavors with a simple baking process to deliver a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • Cooking spray or melted butter, for greasing the pan
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Filling

  • 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or melted butter to ensure the bars don’t stick.
  2. Make the crust: In a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup all-purpose flour and mix until the dough achieves a crumbly texture.
  3. Bake the crust: Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl until you get a smooth filling. Gently fold in the pecan pieces, ensuring they are well incorporated.
  5. Add filling and bake: Once the crust is baked, pour the prepared pecan filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is set and has a golden top.
  6. Cool and serve: Let the pecan bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve. This allows the filling to firm up for clean cuts and optimal texture.

Notes

  • To enhance flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing into the filling.
  • Use either light or dark corn syrup and brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference and desired depth of flavor.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars briefly in the refrigerator after cooling.
  • This recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13 inch pan adjusting the baking times slightly.

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