Munchie Monday: Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars

Somehow I found a recipe for pecan pie bars. I made them to take to a fiesta at the Spanish church last week to celebrate Father's Day.  They are really good.  I probably won't make them again unless it is for a party, because they are so calorie-dense and mostly sugars and butter, but they sure do taste good.

To make a 9 by 13 pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the crust:

In a medium bowl place:  1 1/4 cups butter, softened, 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.  Mix really well until completely combined and light.  I used a wooden spoon because I did not want to have to wash up the mixer afterwards.  It takes a while but was a satisfying workout...!

In a small bowl combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt.  When well-combined, mix into the flour/butter mixture until all combined.  Press into an un-greased pan.  If you can make a little lip up the edges, as if it were a pie dish, that is great. I did not do that and it was fine.

Bake for 15 minutes or so until set but not brown.  Bring out of the oven and let cool a bit.

Filling:
In a medium bowl mix well 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, softened, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed.
When this is all combined,  put it in a saucepan and bring to a low boil.  Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add the 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and 1/2 pound chopped pecans.  Stir well.
Pour it over the cooked crust then bake for 25-30 minutes until well set.  Bring out of the oven and place on cooking rack.  Let cool mostly then cut into pieces and put in the refrigerator.

Really yummy.  People like them.  Dear One likes them.  I like them.  As a matter of fact as I was typing this post, Dear One asked where the bars were hidden. Uh, well, in the refrigerator!