This recipe provides instructions for making Pecan Praline Bars, a decadent dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich and gooey pecan praline filling. The filling typically consists of pecans, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and sometimes a touch of vanilla or other flavorings, cooked together to create a caramel-like consistency that coats the nuts. Once baked, the bars are cut into squares or rectangles, offering a sweet and nutty treat with a delightful combination of textures – a crumbly or flaky crust and a chewy, caramelized topping studded with crunchy pecans. These bars are a delightful alternative to traditional pecan pie, offering individual portions that are easy to serve and enjoy. The image shows several square-cut bars arranged on a white plate. The bars have a light-colored, shortbread-like crust and a rich, amber-colored topping filled with whole and halved pecans, coated in a glossy, slightly swirled praline sauce.
The base of these bars is a buttery crust, often made with all-purpose flour, unsalted butter (softened), and sometimes a bit of sugar and salt. This crust provides a stable and slightly crumbly foundation for the rich topping.
The star of the topping is pecans, which are typically halved or left whole and generously distributed over the praline mixture.
The praline filling is made with brown sugar, which contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
Butter adds richness and helps create the smooth, gooey texture of the praline.
Corn syrup is often included to prevent crystallization and ensure a chewy, smooth praline consistency.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a touch of warmth. Some recipes might also include a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
The preparation involves first making the crust by combining the flour, butter, and possibly sugar and salt, pressing the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan, and baking until lightly golden. While the crust is baking or cooling, the praline filling is prepared by melting butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan and bringing it to a simmer. Vanilla extract is stirred in, and then the pecans are added and coated with the mixture. The pecan praline filling is then poured over the baked crust and the bars are baked again until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. After cooling completely, the bars are cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
Pecan Praline Bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, allowing the praline topping to set slightly for easier handling.
The texture is a delightful combination of a crumbly or shortbread-like crust and a chewy, gooey, caramelized praline topping studded with crunchy pecans.
The flavor is intensely sweet and nutty, with the rich caramel notes of the praline perfectly complementing the buttery crust and the distinct, slightly earthy flavor of the pecans.
Pecan Praline Bars are a sweet and nutty dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a chewy, caramelized pecan praline filling.
The preparation involves baking a crust, making a pecan praline topping, spreading it over the crust, baking again, cooling, and then cutting into bars.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar (optional, for a sweeter crust)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
For the Pecan Praline Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecan halves or pieces
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or pastry blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and sugar (if using) and salt (if using). Use an electric mixer or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Pecan Praline Topping: While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Pecans: Add the pecan halves or pieces to the saucepan and stir until they are evenly coated with the praline mixture.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the pecan praline filling evenly over the warm, partially baked crust.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important for the praline topping to set up.
- Cut and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles and serve.
Enjoy these rich and delicious Pecan Praline Bars!