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Carolina Pecan Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 72 reviews

This Carolina Pecan Bars recipe is a rich, buttery Southern dessert packed with crunchy pecans and a sweet, gooey filling. Perfect for holiday baking, potlucks, family gatherings, and easy dessert bars, these bars offer the classic caramel-like flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Filling

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft, crumbly dough forms. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using your fingers and the flat bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer without packing it too hard.
  3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden and the crust looks set. This pre-baking helps prevent sogginess when the filling is added. Let it cool for a few minutes while preparing the pecan filling.
  4. Mix the Pecan Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and light brown sugar until smooth. Then add the light corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt; whisk until everything is well combined and glossy. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
  5. Add the Filling: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the warm crust in the pan, spreading the pecans evenly to the corners with a spatula to avoid clumping. Gently tap the pan on the counter to settle the filling and remove air bubbles.
  6. Bake Until Set: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking; the filling will continue to set as it cools, and overbaking can make the bars tough.
  7. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan once cooled. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife for neat pieces. Cooling is essential to achieve clean slices and a chewy texture.

Notes

  • You can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to intensify their flavor and add crunch.
  • Store bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer storage.
  • Carolina Pecan Bars freeze well for up to 2 months; wrap individual pieces with parchment before freezing.
  • For a variation, add chocolate chips, a splash of bourbon, or a drizzle of melted chocolate after cooling.
  • Cut bars into smaller two-bite squares for parties or larger bars when serving as the main dessert.
  • The center should remain slightly jiggly when done baking; it firms as it cools.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness in the crust and filling.
  • Let bars cool fully before cutting to prevent runny filling and uneven slices.

Keywords: Carolina Pecan Bars, pecan dessert, pecan bars recipe, Southern pecan bars, holiday dessert, easy pecan bars, pecan bar recipe, old-fashioned dessert

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/carolina-pecan-bars-recipe/