Irresistible Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars Recipe

Indulge in the decadent world of Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars, where buttery shortbread meets a rich, gooey pecan topping that feels like a warm hug. Picture biting into each bar, with the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, making your taste buds dance in anticipation.

These bars aren’t just dessert; they’re a slice of nostalgia that transports you to family gatherings where laughter and delicious bites filled the air. Perfect for fall festivities or cozy nights in, Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars promise a flavor experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

My family can never get enough of these bars; every holiday, they magically disappear before I even get a chance to snag one for myself.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich flavor that enhances the shortbread base.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create the perfect texture for your shortbread crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our shortbread, providing structure while keeping it tender and crumbly.
• Pecans: Opt for fresh pecans for that nutty crunch; chop them roughly to maintain some texture in your bars.
• Brown Sugar: This brings a deep caramel flavor to the gooey filling, enhancing the overall richness of the dessert.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together and create that lovely gooey filling we all crave.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors and adds warmth to these bars.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars

Create the Shortbread Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.

Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour into your butter mixture. Stir until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.

Bake the Base: Pop it in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. The buttery aroma will fill your kitchen—a sign it’s almost time for gooey goodness!

Prepare the Filling: While your base cools slightly, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Mix until well combined; it should look glossy and inviting.

Add Filling to Base: Pour this luscious pecan mixture evenly over your baked shortbread base. Spread it gently with a spatula if needed; don’t worry about perfection here—rustic is charming!

Bake Again Until Set: Return your pan to the oven for another 25-30 minutes or until the filling looks set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars so they hold their shape perfectly.

In just a few steps, you’ve created something truly special! Whether enjoyed warm with whipped cream or at room temperature with coffee, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Remember not to skip letting them cool fully—it may feel like torture, but trust me on this one!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the shortbread base first, then mix the gooey pecan topping while it bakes. This way, you maximize your time and ensure everything is fresh and warm when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence. A pinch of sea salt on top can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain that delightful gooiness.

I remember the first time I made these bars; my friends devoured them and declared me the “Gooey Queen.” The smiles on their faces were priceless, proving that food truly brings people together.

FAQ

Can I use different nuts for Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars?

Yes, walnuts or macadamia nuts are great alternatives for this recipe.

How long do these bars last at room temperature?

These bars can stay fresh for up to five days when stored properly.

Can I freeze Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars?

Absolutely! They freeze well and can be stored for up to three months.

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Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars

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Experience the delightful fusion of buttery shortbread and a luscious pecan topping with these Gooey Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars. Perfectly sweet and irresistibly gooey, each bite delivers nostalgia and warmth, making them an ideal treat for fall gatherings or cozy nights. These bars are not only simple to make but also visually stunning, ensuring they’ll be the star of any dessert table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in flour until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
4. While the base cools, whisk brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl until glossy.
5. Pour the pecan mixture over the baked base and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added flavor, incorporate chocolate chips or swap pecans for walnuts. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for three months.