PECAN PIE BARS

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan 📐✨

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving a couple of inches of overhang on the sides. (This “sling” lets you lift the whole block out for clean cutting later!)
3. Lightly spray the liner with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Bake the Shortbread Crust 🌾🧈

1. In a large bowl or food processor, combine the 2 cups of flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ tsp of salt.
2. Add the ¾ cup of cold, cubed butter. Pulse in the food processor or use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Dump the crumbly dough into your prepared baking dish and press it firmly into a flat, even layer across the bottom.
4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it is just set and a very pale golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prep the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Pecan Topping 🍮🥜

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the 3 eggs until smooth.
2. Add the ¾ cup of brown sugar, ¾ cup of corn syrup, ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 tsp of vanilla, and ¼ tsp of salt. Whisk vigorously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is uniform.
3. Stir in the 2 cups of chopped pecans until they are completely coated in the sweet caramel mixture.

Step 4: The Final Bake 🔥⏰

1. Pour the pecan filling directly over the warm, pre-baked shortbread crust. Use a spatula to spread the pecans out evenly.
2. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be set and the center should only have a slight, uniform jiggle when shook.
3. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack.