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Grandma’s Pecan Rum Bars

3 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1 hour + cooling

Makes

2 dozen

Updated: Nov. 20, 2023
My grandmother handed down the recipe for these gooey bars that we all love. The candied cherries are a must. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama
Grandma’s Pecan Rum Bars
Grandma's Pecan Rum Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped pecans, divided
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/4 cups red candied cherries
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped candied pineapple
  • 1/2 cup chopped candied citron
  • 1/3 cup rum

Directions

  1. Sprinkle 3 cups pecans over a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour to creamed mixture, beating well.
  3. Spread batter into prepared pan. Combine candied fruit and the remaining pecans. Spread fruit and pecans evenly over creamed mixture; press gently to help mixtures adhere. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Sprinkle rum over the top; cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.

Test Kitchen tips
  • This holiday treat tastes like a cross between rum cake, fruitcake and pecan pie.
  • For a decadent twist, serve the bars over a swirl of creme anglaise or vanilla sauce.

    • Nutrition Facts

    1 bar: 401 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.