Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars Recipe
Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling, perfectly baked to a golden finish. These bars combine a crisp base with a sweet, nutty topping, making them an irresistible dessert or snack for pecan lovers.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Pecan Topping
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it is set and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the pecan topping: In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the brown sugar and melted butter, stirring until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Top and bake again: Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh pecans for maximum flavor and crunch.
- You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar for a less caramelized topping.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the crust to achieve the right texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Joanna Gaines, pecan bars, pecan dessert, shortbread crust, nutty bars, baked pecans