Welcome to a sweet, nutty indulgence that's a perfect blend of buttery crust and gooey pecan topping. Rustic Pecan Bar Delight is a treat that brings a touch of Southern charm to your table, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Flour forms the base of our crust, giving it structure and a tender crumb. Combining it with powdered sugar lends sweetness without graininess, while a touch of salt balances the flavors. The star of the crust is the butter, which adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The filling gets its sweetness and gooeyness from granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Melted butter adds depth and richness, while eggs help bind everything together. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans, which are the real heroes here, bringing a delightful crunch and flavor. A pinch of salt rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
These pecan bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a contrast in flavors, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to go when you are, and your crust will bake evenly. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. You can use a fork or a pastry cutter to cut in the softened butter until you get a crumbly mixture. The butter should be well incorporated but not over-mixed.
Next, press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. You might want to use the bottom of a measuring cup to spread it evenly and press it down. Pop this into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it should turn a lovely light golden color.
While the crust is baking, let's move on to the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Once your crust is ready, pour the pecan mixture over it. Spread it out gently with a spatula if needed. Then, return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes. You're looking for the filling to set and develop a beautiful golden brown color. Once done, let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
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