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Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

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Warm, nutty, and utterly irresistible, these Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars combine the toasty aroma of browned butter with a classic carameled pecan filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 cups chopped pecans
  • Optional: flaky sea salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs two sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until browned, swirling the pan until you smell a nutty aroma.
  3. Combine the browned butter with granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl and mix until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Add flour and cornstarch to the mixture and press it into the prepared pan to form a crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, while preparing the filling.
  6. Whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and heavy cream in the same skillet until smooth. Warm over low heat if needed.
  7. Cool briefly, then whisk in beaten eggs and fold in chopped pecans.
  8. Pour the filling over the baked crust and sprinkle with sea salt if using.
  9. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until set, ensuring the center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Cool completely, then lift out with parchment and cut into squares.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, dessert, holiday dessert, brown butter

Find it online: https://recipehappy.com/brown-butter-pecan-pie-bars/