Caramel Pecan Bars

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

4 dozen

Updated: Sep. 30, 2022
This pecan bar recipe won first place at a cookie contest held where I work. These rich bars really capture the flavor of pecan pie. —Emma Manning, Crossett, Arkansas

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, cubed
  • 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. In a small bowl, beat eggs and vanilla. Gradually add hot sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to the butter mixture and mix well. Stir in pecans.
  2. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs and edges are crisp. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Cut into bars.