Get ready to fall in love with a sweet, buttery treat that delivers southern charm in every bite: Pecan Shortbread Bars. This recipe seamlessly marries the melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with a gooey, caramelized pecan topping, creating an irresistible bar that’s perfect for bake sales, holidays, or just because. If you’re searching for that crowd-pleaser dessert that brings back fond memories and draws everyone to the kitchen, these Pecan Shortbread Bars are sure to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These bars come together with just a handful of classic baking staples, but each ingredient has an important role to play in creating layers of flavor and texture. Get ready to discover why these simple ingredients make Pecan Shortbread Bars so unforgettable!
- Unsalted Butter (for crust & topping): Creates that rich, soft crumb in the base and ties together the caramel pecan topping for ultimate decadence.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the shortbread base and helps it bake to golden perfection.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender, sturdy shortbread crust, perfect for supporting the gooey topping.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor throughout.
- Brown Sugar: Gives the topping deep caramel notes and a soft chewiness that pairs perfectly with pecans.
- Honey: Adds a floral, sticky sweetness to the topping and keeps it lush and glossy.
- Heavy Cream: Brings richness and helps form a luscious, smooth caramel sauce for the pecan layer.
- Pecans: The star of the show! Toasty, crunchy, and generously scattered for that classic Southern flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors in the topping and gives the bars a bakery-style aroma.
How to Make Pecan Shortbread Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
To set yourself up for easy slicing and serving later, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the sides a bit. This little trick means those Pecan Shortbread Bars will lift right out when you’re ready to cut, with no sticky mess left behind.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy — this is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth base. Add in the flour and salt, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms (don’t overwork it!). Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan, making sure you reach all the corners for a uniform base.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Slide the crust into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until you see the edges turning a light golden hue. This step sets the shortbread to just the right level of crispness, ready to hold all that luscious pecan topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
While the crust is baking, get started on the sticky, nutty layer. In a saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined. Let it reach a gentle boil, then take it off the heat and quickly stir in chopped pecans and vanilla extract. The warm, toasty aroma is a preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Again
Once the crust comes out golden, evenly pour the warm pecan topping over it. Spread it gently with a spatula so every bite has a good mix of sticky caramel and crunchy pecans. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is bubbling and set.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Patience is key here — let the bars cool completely in the pan. The topping will thicken and the bars will hold their shape beautifully when cut. Use the edges of the parchment to lift the slab from the pan, then slice into neat, tempting bars. Your Pecan Shortbread Bars are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Pecan Shortbread Bars
Garnishes
A classic finish is sometimes the best. Try sprinkling just a touch of flaky sea salt over the bars for an extra pop of contrast and to enhance the nutty flavors — it takes these Pecan Shortbread Bars over the top! Want to make them party-ready? A drizzle of white or dark chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
These bars are perfect with a cup of strong coffee or black tea, balancing their sweetness. For a special occasion, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries. Their rich, buttery flavor plays nicely with creamy, light, or tangy accompaniments to round out your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make Pecan Shortbread Bars the highlight of your dessert spread, arrange them on a beautiful tiered platter or in decorative cupcake wrappers for individual servings. They also look stunning stacked in cookie tins for gifting—or wrap each bar in parchment and twine for a rustic, homemade touch that’s sure to delight your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep exceptionally well thanks to their sturdy crumb and sticky topping. Simply store Pecan Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days — the flavors will only meld and intensify as they rest.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, Pecan Shortbread Bars freeze beautifully! Layer bars between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best texture.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked aroma and slightly soften the pecan topping, warm bars gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This little trick does wonders if you prefer your Pecan Shortbread Bars a touch on the gooey side!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch! Just reduce the added salt in the crust to avoid over-seasoning. The result will still be wonderfully rich and delicious.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
Parchment paper makes removing the bars and cutting them much easier, especially with a sticky topping like this. If you don’t have parchment, you can use well-greased foil, though be careful when lifting out the bars to avoid breaking them.
Can I substitute other nuts for the pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts are an excellent substitute if you want to switch things up, though pecans give that signature flavor. Just be sure to chop whichever nuts you use into similar-sized pieces for easy slicing.
How do I know when the topping is set?
The topping is done when it’s bubbling across the surface and darkened slightly in color. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so be patient before slicing!
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version of Pecan Shortbread Bars by swapping the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a freshly baked batch of Pecan Shortbread Bars — the way they fill the house with sweet, nutty aromas, and the look on everyone’s face after that first bite. So go ahead, whip up a tray and share this treat with the people you love. You just might start a new dessert tradition!
Print
Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a rich pecan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet indulgence any time of year.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Beat softened butter and sugar, then mix in flour and salt to form a dough. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Prepare the topping: Melt butter with brown sugar, honey, and cream in a saucepan. Stir in pecans and vanilla. Pour over the hot crust.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely in the pan, then cut into bars.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the pecan topping.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
