Grandma’s Pecan Rum Bars

Name: Grandma's Pecan Rum Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 4 large Nellie’s Free Range Eggs; 4 cups chopped pecans, divided; 1 cup butter, softened; 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar; 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

My grandmother handed down the recipe for these gooey bars, which we all love. The candied cherries are a must. —Deborah Pennington, Decatur, Alabama

Ingredients

4 large Nellie’s Free Range Eggs
4 cups chopped pecans, divided
1 cup butter, softened
2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
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

Let eggs stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Sprinkle 3 cups pecans over a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour to creamed mixture, beating well.
Spread batter into prepared pan. Combine candied fruit and 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 these bars over a swirl of creme anglaise or vanilla sauce.