Are you craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! The Briar Club's Spiced Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion – from casual weeknight gatherings to elegant holiday celebrations. These bars combine the irresistible flavors of classic pecan pie with the convenience of a bar cookie, resulting in a deliciously addictive dessert that's sure to impress. Get ready to experience a taste of homemade heaven with this simple, yet stunning, recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and powdered sugar to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12x15 inch rectangle. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet.
Making and Baking the Filling:
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add spices and pecans: Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pecans.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing a soggy crust.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will make it tough.
- Use good quality pecans: The flavor of the pecans will significantly impact the overall taste of the bars.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting prevents them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling.
- Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute ½ cup of pumpkin puree for some of the pecans and add a pinch of ginger to the spice blend.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350 Fat: Approximately 20g Sugar: Approximately 25g
These delicious Spiced Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, proving that homemade cooking can be both delicious and achievable. Enjoy!