Description
Brown butter pecan pie bars merge classic Southern dessert with a modern twist, elevating traditional flavors. Nutty, caramelized pecans nestled in a buttery crust promise rich indulgence that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans halves
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Flour and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
- Create a rich, nutty base by carefully caramelizing butter until golden brown and fragrant, then blend with flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt to form a cohesive dough.
- Gently press the butter-infused crust mixture into a prepared baking pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that will provide a sturdy foundation for the filling.
- Bake the crust for approximately 15-18 minutes until it develops a light golden color and becomes slightly firm to the touch.
- While the crust bakes, transform butter into a deep amber hue through controlled browning, developing complex, toasty notes.
- Whisk the browned butter with granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and integrated.
- Fold chopped pecans into the liquid filling, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor and texture.
- Pour the pecan-studded filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling sets and becomes slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and develop a perfect consistency.
- Once cooled, slice into neat squares and serve, revealing the beautiful layers of brown butter crust and pecan filling.
Notes
- Brown the butter slowly and carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, watching the color change from yellow to golden amber.
- Use high-quality, fresh pecans for maximum crunch and taste, toasting them briefly beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Consider reducing sugar for a less sweet version or substituting with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg