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Delicious Carolina Pecan Bars

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

Bake a shortbread crust, pour over a honey-caramel pecan mix, then bake again until set. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:39:47 GMT
Carolina Pecan Bars Pin it
Carolina Pecan Bars | lilicooks.com

Southern pecan bars combine buttery shortbread and rich caramel-pecan topping for an effortless yet elegant dessert. The crisp, sturdy base provides the perfect foundation for the gooey, nutty layer above. These bars capture all the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, hand-held format ideal for serving a crowd.

The perfect balance of textures and generous pecan filling has converted even dedicated pie enthusiasts. The portable format and ideal crust-to-filling ratio make these bars a standout choice for gatherings and celebrations throughout the year.

Key Components

  • Unsalted butter: Use straight from refrigerator for optimal flaky crust texture
  • Pure honey: Provides distinctive Southern sweetness and complex flavor
  • Dark brown sugar: Creates rich caramel notes that enhance the pecans
  • Fresh pecans: Chop into varied sizes for ideal texture and appearance
  • Heavy whipping cream: Essential for achieving silky filling consistency
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Carolina Pecan Bars Homemade | lilicooks.com

Technique Tips

Shortbread foundation:
Mix crust ingredients just until combined to ensure tenderness
Pan preparation:
Use measuring cup bottom for even crust thickness
Filling precision:
Maintain exactly one minute boiling time for proper setting
Visual doneness cues:
Look for bubbling across entire surface and light browning at edges
Cooling period:
Allow full two hours cooling time for clean slicing
Perfect presentation:
Chill briefly and use heated knife between cuts

This cherished family recipe originated in grandmother's Carolina kitchen, where local honey was the prized ingredient. The heavenly aroma of butter, caramel and toasted pecans still evokes memories of holiday baking traditions passed down through generations.

Presentation Options

Enjoy bars unadorned or slightly warmed with vanilla ice cream. For casual gatherings, arrange smaller pieces on serving platters. Package in clear bags with ribbons for charming homemade gifts during holiday season.

Flavor Variations

Enhance with bourbon for sophisticated flavor. Incorporate dark chocolate chips into filling for decadent results. Add warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for aromatic complexity.

Storage Guidelines

Flavors develop beautifully overnight. Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Freeze up to 3 months between parchment layers, thawing at room temperature before serving.

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Carolina Pecan Bars Recipe | lilicooks.com

These beloved pecan bars consistently impress at gatherings and food events. The irresistible combination of buttery base and caramelized pecan topping guarantees empty platters and recipe requests. Their sturdy nature makes them ideal for transporting and sharing, though saving a few for later is always wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
You can swap pecans for walnuts or use a nut mixture, though the taste will be slightly different from the traditional version.
→ Can I make these in advance?
Definitely! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Why did the filling turn grainy?
Make sure not to stir the mixture while it boils—this can cause the sugar to crystallize and ruin the texture.
→ Can I replace honey with maple syrup?
Sure! Pure maple syrup creates a unique twist with its own sweet, distinct flavor.
→ How do I know they're baked all the way?
The filling should be bubbling along the edges and just slightly soft in the center. It will become firm as it cools down.

Pecan Squares

Tender shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan filling that’s sweetened with honey. A perfect combination of buttery, sweet, and nutty goodness.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Shortbread Crust

01 1/4 teaspoon salt
02 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
05 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, diced

→ For the Pecan Filling

06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
09 1/2 cup honey
10 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
11 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 2 cups pecans, chopped coarsely

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of extra paper hanging off the sides to make it easy to pull the bars out later.

Step 02

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the sugar, salt, and flour. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it looks crumbly. Drizzle the ice water over it and stir until the dough starts to hold together.

Step 03

Press the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once it’s done, set it aside to cool a little while you make the filling.

Step 04

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toss in the butter, brown sugar, honey, cream, and salt. Stir constantly until everything melts together and looks smooth. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, and let it bubble for 1 minute without stirring.

Step 05

Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the vanity extract and chopped pecans. Pour this blend over your pre-baked crust, spreading it around evenly with a spatula.

Step 06

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is bubbling and set. Let the whole thing cool completely on a wire rack while it’s still in the pan.

Step 07

When the bars are fully cooled down, grab the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve them at room temperature.

Notes

  1. You can keep these bars for up to 5 days in a sealed container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch pan for baking
  • Parchment paper for lining
  • A medium-sized pot for the filling
  • Optional: A pastry cutter
  • A wire rack for cooling

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy ingredients like butter and cream
  • Contains pecans
  • Made with all-purpose flour, so it has gluten