If you love buttery desserts with a nutty crunch, these Pecan Shortbread Bars are the perfect treat. With a rich, crumbly shortbread base and a sweet, caramelized pecan topping, these bars are a cozy dessert for fall gatherings, holiday trays, or an afternoon coffee break.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery shortbread base that melts in your mouth.
- Sweet, nutty pecan topping with hints of caramel.
- Simple ingredients and easy steps—no mixer required.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat, stir in pecans and vanilla. Pour the mixture evenly over the baked shortbread base.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the topping is bubbling and set.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Tips & Variations
- Swap half the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a mixed nut version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
- Drizzle cooled bars with melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
- Make ahead: Bars stay fresh for several days and taste even better the next day.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store pecan shortbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extra freshness.
- Freeze sliced bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Add to a holiday dessert platter with cookies, fudge, and brownies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
No, they’ll toast while baking on top of the bars.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Absolutely—maple syrup adds a lovely fall flavor.
How do I cut neat squares?
Chill the baked bars for 30 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife for clean edges.
Ready to Make It?
These Pecan Shortbread Bars are simple, cozy, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just a sweet snack at home, this recipe is a must-try. Save it now and enjoy the buttery crunch with every bite.
You Might Also Like
- Pumpkin Cobbler – A warm, spiced pumpkin dessert with a golden topping.
- Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies – Wholesome, grab-and-go fall cookies.
- Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie – A festive, melty appetizer with tart cranberries and pecans.
- Chocolate Pecan Clusters – Easy homemade candy with chocolate and crunchy pecans.
Pecan Shortbread Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery pecan shortbread bars with a rich nutty topping – perfect for holidays, gatherings, or coffee breaks.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms.
3. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until smooth.
5. Remove from heat, stir in pecans and vanilla. Pour evenly over baked base.
6. Bake another 15–20 minutes until topping is bubbling and set.
7. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
Swap half the pecans with walnuts or almonds for variety.
Drizzle with chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg