Chocolate Pecan Bars

DSC_0430These.  Are.  Delicious.  Sinfully delicious.  And rich.  And decadent.  I first made these at Thanksgiving with my Mother in Law, but I didn’t have my camera so I didn’t blog it then.  They were so good though – Tim’s sister even said it was the best thing she ever ate – that I knew I’d be making them again and have the opportunity to share them with you.  I made them again the other night when my BFF Erin and her husband Mike came by, and they loved them too.  The crust is flaky and buttery, like a pie crust, and the filling is sweet and gooey and chocolatey with the added nutty goodness from the pecans.  It’s just such a nice combination and balance of flavors and textures.  They’re rich though, so beware; cut them small.  (Then you can have two.)  😉  So if you still need a dessert recipe for a holiday party that is sure to impress, here you go!

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Chocolate Pecan Bars

Adapted from Baked Perfection

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
  • 1-3 Tablespoons cold water

For the filling:

  • 3 eggsDSC_0407
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line an 9 x 13 glass pan with aluminum foil.  This makes it easier to lift the whole thing out and cut into bars.  You can skip this step and just cut and serve straight from the pan if you wish.

To make the crust, beat the 3/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and salt in a mixer until smooth.  Add in flour and mix until coarse crumbs form.  With the mixer running, add water, one tablespoon at a time as needed, until the dough comes together.  Press dough into the bottom and up 1/2 inch of the sides of the pan in an even layer.  Prick the dough with a fork many times to prevent bubbling.  Bake until lightly golden, anywhere from 10-18 minutes.

While the dough is baking, mix up the filling.  In a large bowl, mix eggs, 3/4 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, melted butter, and salt with a whisk.  Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.  When the dough is done baking, pour filling mixture into pan.  It may not seem like a lot of filling, but this is correct.  Bake for another 20-30 minutes, until filling is set.  It will be a deep golden brown color.  Let cool completely before cutting.

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Enjoy!

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