Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of these Pecan Pie Squares Delight, a perfect dessert that marries a buttery crust with a sweet and crunchy pecan filling. Ideal for serving at gatherings or capturing a slice of comfort at home, these squares provide the beloved taste of pecan pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.
Ingredients
For the crust:
– Cooking spray
– 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the filling:
– 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces (6 ounces)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang for easy removal. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth. Gradually blend in the flour to form a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until golden-brown around the edges.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecan pieces to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Assemble and Bake
Upon removing the crust from the oven, pour the filling over it, spreading it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and has turned a dark golden-brown.
4. Cool and Serve
Allow the baked squares to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1.5 hours, then refrigerate to set completely for at least 1 hour or overnight. Using the parchment overhang, lift from the pan, cut into 12 squares, and serve.
Servings & Preparation Time
– Servings: 12 squares
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 45 to 52 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, plus cooling
Tips for Storage & Reheating
– To store, place the squares in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– For longer storage, freeze the squares on a baking sheet, then wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
– To reheat, if desired, gently warm in a microwave at low power for a few seconds until just heated through.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Squares Delight offers a fabulous alternative to traditional pecan pie, delivering all the scrumptious flavors in a convenient bar form. With a flaky, buttery crust and a caramel-nutty topping, each bite of these squares brings a satisfying texture and taste that makes them a sure favorite for any occasion. Whether enjoying a piece as a dessert or a sweet treat, these pecan pie squares are bound to impress.
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Pecan Pie Squares Delight
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, plus cooling
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of these Pecan Pie Squares Delight, a perfect dessert that marries a buttery crust with a sweet and crunchy pecan filling. Ideal for serving at gatherings or capturing a slice of comfort at home, these squares provide the beloved taste of pecan pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 3/4 cup dark or light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces (6 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Blend in the flour to form a crumbly dough. Press the mixture into the pan and bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
- Mix the Filling: Whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the pecan pieces.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until set and golden-brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool, refrigerate to set, then cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 to 52 minutes