Pecan Praline Bars Recipe

Indulgent, buttery, and irresistibly rich—Pecan Praline Bars combine the best parts of caramel, pecan pralines, and chewy bars into one perfect treat. With a crisp shortbread base and a luscious caramel-pecan topping, these bars offer a crunchy bite with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply craving a decadent homemade dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Praline Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour, blending until a soft dough forms.
4. Press into Pan: Spread dough evenly in the baking dish, pressing down firmly.
5. Bake: Place in oven for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool while preparing the praline topping.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Praline Topping

1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, honey (or corn syrup), and salt.
2. Simmer: Let mixture cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
3. Add Vanilla & Pecans: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans, coating them thoroughly.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour Over Shortbread Base: Evenly spread pecan praline mixture over the cooled shortbread layer.
2. Bake Again: Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the topping to set and caramelize.
3. Cool & Slice: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Praline Bars

• Use fresh pecans for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Cut with a sharp knife for clean edges once fully cooled.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent finish.

These Pecan Praline Bars are pure delight—crispy, buttery, and decadently rich with caramelized pecans! Would you like a twist, such as adding a hint of cinnamon or bourbon for deeper flavor?