Pecan Shortbread Bars

Looking for a sweet treat that combines the irresistible richness of shortbread with the nutty crunch of pecans? Look no further than these Pecan Shortbread Bars! These little bites of heaven are buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, serving at holiday gatherings, or indulging in when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. Trust me, these bars are the kind of dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

The delicate shortbread base provides the perfect foundation for the toasted pecans, which add a lovely depth of flavor and crunch. Topped off with a slight drizzle of sweet, gooey caramel (optional but highly recommended), these bars are a game-changer in the world of baked goods.

Why You’ll Love Pecan Shortbread Bars

Buttery & Irresistible

The shortbread base is everything you love about shortbread—rich, buttery, and crisp, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a texture that’s satisfying without being overwhelming, making it the perfect complement to the crunchy pecans on top.

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Nutty

The pecans give these bars a wonderful nutty flavor that balances perfectly with the sweet shortbread. Plus, if you’re a fan of caramel, you can drizzle some on top for an extra dose of sweetness. It’s a flavor combination that’s hard to resist!

Easy to Make

With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these bars come together quickly and easily. There’s no complicated rolling, frosting, or decorating involved—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re serving these at a family gathering, a party, or a holiday celebration, these Pecan Shortbread Bars are sure to be a hit. Their rich, indulgent flavor and perfect texture will make them a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that come together to create these melt-in-your-mouth Pecan Shortbread Bars:

• Butter: The star of the show! This will give the shortbread its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure to use unsalted butter for control over the salt level.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is what makes up the shortbread base. It provides structure and gives these bars their crumbly, tender texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the dough. You can also sprinkle a little extra on top for a little sparkle.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the buttery dough.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add that perfect nutty crunch. You can toast them yourself or buy pre-toasted pecans to save time.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that wonderful aromatic flavor that complements the buttery shortbread.
• Caramel (optional): A drizzle of caramel adds an indulgent touch to these bars, taking them to the next level of sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make these delicious Pecan Shortbread Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can easily lift the bars out once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix the Shortbread Dough

In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined. Gradually stir in the flour until the dough comes together and is smooth.

Step 3: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Take the shortbread dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out and make sure the dough is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Shortbread Base

Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking—it should be golden, not too dark.

Step 5: Toast the Pecans

While the shortbread is baking, toast your pecans. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them!

Step 6: Add the Pecans

Once the shortbread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the warm shortbread base.

Step 7: (Optional) Drizzle with Caramel

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the pecans. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who love a rich, indulgent treat.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. You can also refrigerate them for an hour to help them set if you want them to firm up more before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 35mg
  Sodium: 30mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
  Protein: 2g
  Vitamin D: 0mcg
  Calcium: 15mg
  Iron: 1mg
  Potassium: 50mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Pecan Shortbread Bars

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea

These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The buttery flavor of the shortbread and the crunch of the pecans are the perfect match for a relaxing afternoon treat.

As a Dessert

Serve these pecan shortbread bars as a dessert at your next family gathering or dinner party. They’re sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings without being overly rich.

For Special Occasions

These bars are perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to impress guests with a simple yet elegant treat. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.

Additional Tips

Toast the Pecans for Extra Flavor

Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, bringing out a deeper, nuttier taste. Don’t skip this step—it makes a big difference!

Store in an Airtight Container

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These bars stay fresh and delicious, making them great for meal prep or a grab-and-go snack.

Try Other Nuts

If you’re not a fan of pecans, try substituting with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can even make a mix of different nuts for a fun, nutty twist on the original.

Drizzle with Chocolate

If you love chocolate, feel free to drizzle some melted dark or milk chocolate over the bars for an extra indulgent treat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A1: Yes, but if you use salted butter, skip the added pinch of salt in the recipe. It will still taste delicious!

Q2: Can I make these bars without the caramel drizzle?
A2: Absolutely! The shortbread bars are fantastic on their own. The caramel drizzle is optional, but it adds a nice touch if you’re in the mood for something extra sweet.

Q3: How do I know when the shortbread is done baking?
A3: The edges of the shortbread should be golden brown, and the center should be firm. If it’s too soft, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven, but don’t let it overbake or it’ll become too hard.

Q4: Can I freeze these bars?
A4: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
A5: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts would work great in this recipe. Just toast them to bring out their natural flavors.

Q6: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can make the shortbread dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before pressing it into the pan.

Q7: What type of caramel should I use?
A7: You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own at home. Either way, it adds a wonderful sweetness to the bars.

Q8: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Be sure to check that your caramel is also gluten-free if you’re avoiding gluten.

Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to the shortbread?
A9: Yes! You can add chocolate chips to the shortbread dough for a double-dose of sweetness. Dark chocolate chips would pair nicely with the rich shortbread.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Conclusion

These Pecan Shortbread Bars are the perfect combination of buttery shortbread, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweetness. Easy to make, indulgent, and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Enjoy!

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