Pecan Praline Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the praline topping:

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the crust:
   In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, then mix in flour, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly.
   Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
3. Make the praline topping:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream.
   Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
   Remove from heat, stir in pecans and vanilla.
4. Assemble and bake:
   Pour the praline topping over the baked crust and spread evenly.
   Return to the oven and bake for another 18–22 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Cool and cut:
   Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment (if used) and cut into squares or rectangles.

Would you like a version with chocolate, or maybe one made with condensed milk?