Pecan Praline Bars are a decadent treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious caramel praline topping. These bars are a cross between pecan pie and pecan sandies, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert trays, or an indulgent snack, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (softened)
- Light Brown Sugar – ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 ½ cups
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Chopped Pecans – ½ cup
For the Praline Topping:
- Unsalted Butter – ⅓ cup
- Light Brown Sugar – 1 ½ cups
- Heavy Whipping Cream – ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Pecan Halves – 2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Prepare the Shortbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Fold in chopped pecans for added texture. - Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the topping. - Make the Praline Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. - Add the Pecans
Fold in pecan halves, ensuring they are evenly coated in the caramel mixture. - Pour Over the Crust
Spread the praline topping evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and caramelized. - Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. For clean cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
These buttery, caramel-infused pecan praline bars are a delightful balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging with a cup of coffee! You can find more details here. Happy baking! 🍯🥜✨