Introduction:
These pecan toffee bars are a decadent treat for anyone who loves the buttery richness of toffee combined with the crunch of pecans. With a perfectly baked crust and a caramelized nut topping, these bars are ideal for holidays, gatherings, or just indulging your sweet tooth.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Pecan Toffee Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and softened butter until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool while preparing the topping.
- Make the Toffee Layer:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Boil gently for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan toffee mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For quicker cooling, you can place them in the refrigerator.
- Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, and slice them into squares or rectangles.
- Serve:
- Serve at room temperature and enjoy the buttery, nutty goodness!
These pecan toffee bars are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee!
