Carolina Pecan Bars are a delightful treat that never fails to satisfy my sweet tooth cravings. With a buttery base and a generous layer of crunchy pecans drizzled in a rich caramel sauce, every bite is a perfect harmony of sweet and nutty flavors.

The chewy texture of the bars makes them incredibly satisfying, and the hint of saltiness enhances the overall taste experience. Whether enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as an indulgent snack with a cup of coffee, Carolina Pecan Bars are always a hit in my household.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Shortbread Crust:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons ice water

For the Pecan Filling:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup honey
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for Making Carolina Pecan Bars

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water and mix until the dough starts to come together.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Make the Pecan Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and has set.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Serving and Storage

Serve the Carolina Pecan Bars at room temperature. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerated for longer storage.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Ensure Ingredients are at the Right Temperature: For the shortbread crust, make sure the butter is cold; this helps achieve a flaky, tender texture. Conversely, for the filling, ingredients like butter and cream should be at room temperature to blend smoothly.

Use Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe means each ingredient shines. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the crust and filling, and fresh, plump pecans for the best taste and texture.

Evenly Press the Crust: Uniformity in the crust thickness ensures even baking. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press down firmly and create a smooth, even layer.

Boil the Filling Just Right: When making the filling, boiling it for exactly one minute after it starts to bubble is crucial. This step ensures that the filling sets properly without becoming too hard or too runny.

Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This makes cutting cleaner and easier, resulting in beautifully layered bars.

Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by reducing the brown sugar in the filling slightly if preferred. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a spiced variant.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Enjoyment: Serve these pecan bars as they are for a classic treat. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon teas.

With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve the pecan bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the crunchy nuts and sweet filling beautifully.

Coffee or Tea Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. The bitterness of coffee or the mildness of tea balances the sweetness of the bars, making for a delightful snack.

Dessert Charcuterie Boards: Cut the bars into smaller pieces and include them on a dessert charcuterie board alongside other sweets, fruits, and nuts. This allows guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures.

Gift Giving: Packaged in a pretty box or tin, Carolina Pecan Bars make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors during the holidays or as a thank you gesture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Carolina Pecan Bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these bars 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated if you prefer them slightly firm.

How do I store leftover pecan bars?

Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, walnuts or a mix of nuts can also be used for a different flavor profile. Keep the total nut measurement the same for best results.

Why did my filling not set properly?

If the filling is too runny, it might not have boiled long enough or the measurements might have been off. Ensure accurate measuring and that the filling boils for a full minute. If it’s too hard, it may have boiled too long.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute to avoid altering the texture.

Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Absolutely. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks over the crust before adding the pecan filling for a chocolatey twist. The chocolate will melt into the filling, adding an extra layer of decadence.