Description
Crumbly, buttery pecan shortbread bars offer a delightful Southern-inspired dessert that melts in your mouth. Rich nutty flavors and delicate texture invite sweet moments of pure indulgence for anyone craving a classic homestyle treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) chopped pecans
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with foil and coating with nonstick spray.
- Gently toast pecans in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until creamy and well-blended.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, salt, and cornstarch into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually fold in flour, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive texture.
- Fold cooled, toasted pecans into the dough, distributing evenly throughout.
- Transfer dough to prepared pan, using fingers or a spatula to press and spread evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, adjusting time for desired texture – shorter for softer bars, longer for crunchier edges.
- Remove from oven and let shortbread cool completely in the pan to ensure clean, crisp cutting.
- Slice into square portions and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for extended preservation up to 3 months.
Notes
- Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, stirring constantly and keeping heat at medium-low.
- shorter for soft, chewy bars or longer for crisp, crunchy edges.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for variety, maintaining the same toasting and measurement techniques.
- Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute to make these bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 28 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg