Cross between pecan pie and pecan sandies, these buttery, delicious Pecan Praline Bars are perfect any time you’re in the mood for something sweet! This pecan bars recipe has an amazing pecan shortbread crust, a delicious caramel filling and topped with brown sugar toasted pecans.
As a kid, I wasn’t always the biggest fan of pecans – any nuts, really. I didn’t like many foods – tomatoes, nuts, some types of meats – all of these things kinda grossed me out. Its funny, as we get older, our really palates change and evolve. I’ve come to really love all of these foods that I despised as a kid. I especially have grown to love pecans.
My adoration for pecans has really come full circle – I now love both cooking and baking with this crisp, slightly sweet nut. I’ve also added these toasted brown sugar pecans to my Cranberry Citrus Salad. However, the toasted brown sugar pecans in these Pecan Praline Bars are definitely the star of these sweet treats!
When do I serve a pecan bars recipe?
These Pecan Praline Bars are a fantastic treat for the holidays, or anytime you’re in the mood for a decadent, delicious bar that is loaded with delicious pecan flavor.
I’ve cut these into small squares and added them to my holiday cookie and candy trays. I’ve also made a big batch to bring in to the teachers and my son’s school. Notoriously, these bars are always the first to disappear!
Any way you slice these bars, they are sure to be a hit! Serve them to your book club, church group, or simply pair with a hot cup of coffee and a good book.
I now keep a steady stock of pecans in our house. Maybe its because we live in the south (I think its a requirement when living south of the Mason-Dixon line!), or maybe its because they are just an amazing baking staple. Pecans are quite possibly on of the most delicious, versatile foods available.
These Pecan Praline Bars take advantage of this amazing ingredient! The pecan shortbread crust, and the caramel-pecan frosting make these bars rich and delicious. They are a cross between pecan pie and pecan sandies – and will melt in your mouth!
Love cookie bars? Check out some of our other cookie bar recipes:
- M&M Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Stars and Stripes Sugar Cookie Bars
- Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie Bars
- Monster Cookie Bars
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Pecan Praline Bars
Equipment
- 9 x 13" Pan This Anolon non-stick 9 x 13" cake pan comes with a lid for easy storage. Great for cakes, brownies and bars!
- Sauce Pan This Circulon A1 Series non stick saucepan includes a glass straining lid. A great piece of cookware!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups + 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar divided
- 1 1/3 cup + 3 Tablespoons butter divided
- 2 cups pecan halves divided
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Spray a 9×13" pan with non-stick spray and set aside. In mixing bowl, cream together 1 c. butter (softened, NOT melted), and 1/2 c. brown sugar. Add 1 1/2 c. flour, and 1/2 c. chopped pecans. Press mixture into pan, and bake at 325 for 22-25 minutes. Set aside to cool for 30 minutes.
- Adjust oven temperature to 225 degrees. While crust cools, in small skillet, melt 3 Tbsp. butter with 3 Tbsp. of brown sugar. When melted add 1 1/2 c. pecan halves. Coat pecans with sugar mixture and saute for about 3-5 minutes on medium-low heat. Transfer the coated pecans to a baking sheet at toast in a 225 degree oven for 20 minutes. When done, set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan, add 1/2 c. cream, 1/3 c. butter and 1 1/2 c. brown sugar. Bring to a low boil over medium heat while stirring. Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour over pecan crust, and top with toasted pecans. Let stand 30-45 minutes to set-up. Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition
I never cared for pecans as a kid either but I am lovin them now! This looks delicious!
Thanks so much, Nancy!
I am happy to know you grew out of being a picky eater. It gives me hope for my kids! I really like these bars because they are kind of a praline, pecan pie, and cookie all rolled into one. I’m bad at making decisions, and this way I don’t have to choose just one 😉 Thanks for sharing this treat with us at Saturday Night Fever!
My man loves anything with pecans in it! This could be a great treat for I’m to come home to. =)
These would be a great hit with my family
They look incredible and we love pecans 🙂
Holy Cow these look FANTASTIC! I grew up in GA and grew up on Pecan Pies!
http://www.prettybitchescancooktoo.com
Thanks, Tamara! They really are fantastic!! Hope you get to enjoy them soon. ~Erin
I absolutely love pecans! This looks so delicious!
These looks delicious! And easy to make! Thank you for sharing this recipe! 🙂
love this project. I’m a new follower stopping by from The Tuesday talent Show at Chef in training link party.
http://christyscraftycorner.blogspot.com/2013/12/scrap-smashing-monday.html
I am going to make these today for my husband. He loves dessert and pecans. Thank you for this.
Oh. My. Goodness!!! Those look so good! Pecan pie is my favorite… will have to try these!!
Hope you get to enjoy these soon, Gina!
I totally love pecans!! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Sounds delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Awesome! Thanks for linkin’ up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Like you, I adore pecans and any baked good with pecans and these Pecan Praline Bars sound ah-mazing! Congrats, you’re featured this week at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party.