Pecan Squares

Show: Barefoot ContessaEpisode: Ina's Take-Out

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (306)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(306)

Cook Time:
45 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
20 large squares

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 45 min
Total:: 55 min

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Ingredients

Crust:

1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

1 pound unsalted butter
1 cup good honey
3 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 pounds pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approximately 3 minutes. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18 by 12 by 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. It will be very sticky; sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool.

For the topping, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir. Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and pecans. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Cut into bars and serve.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Pecan Squares
Leigh Jackson, TN 02-09-2010
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So popular!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I am asked to make these repeatedly by family and friends. I have made one adjustment to my taste. I don't care for honey -... so, I substituted with Dark Karo Syrup. It is an equivalent substitution in measurement. Probably more of a 'southern' taste. Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
Candace Oxnard, CA 02-09-2010
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Too much butter, not enough flavor. :(
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

I hate to say it, but I did not care for this recipe. If you like the traditional taste of pecan pie, I would not recommend... this recipe. For the massive quantity of butter the recipe called for, it lacked flavor. I lined the cookie sheet with parchment paper so I did find it easier to remove the squares. Also, I lined the oven with aluminum foil before baking and that saved a lot of clean up time. Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
KAREN Bozeman, MT 01-12-2010
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These are AWESOME!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've made these bars for the past two years to give out as Christmas gifts to the staff at work. They absolutely love them... and one gal even said they were her favorite dessert EVER. They are rich and calorie-laden, that's why I only make them once a year at Christmas-time. I cut them into large squares and dip them in the chocolate, and I tell everyone it's enough for 2 people. I am going to keep making these!Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
Sherrill Naselle, WA 12-28-2009
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Pecan Squares
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

My neighbor made them and gave me some. They are just wonderful and rich.
recipe Pecan Squares
Pam Miller Place, NY 12-23-2009
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Absolutely Delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

These bars are the best! I cut the recipe in half and used a glass 9 x 13 pan and they came out pefectly. Also, cut them... into bite-sized pieces and drizzled the chocolate over the top. I wish I would have read the comments about lining the pan with parchment paper first, as they are sticky. Another awesome recipe from Ina!Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
Wanda Walnut Creek, CA 12-22-2009
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An Old Favorite...
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I've been making these for Christmas for twenty years. From Maida Heatter's Book of Desserts (with very minor tweaks). I'm... actually shocked that there is no attribution. http://www.caderbooks.com/exmcookies.html They are delicious...Read more