We make these all year long and when we want to go "over the top" we dip half of each square in warm chocolate.
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.
1 Video | Photo: Pecan Squares Recipe

















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By gspanglerlpn_12...
Lake, 62
on May 20, 2013
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Ever since I first saw Ina Garten make this recipe, I have made it for my brother in laws birthday every year. He loves Pecan Pie, but these Pecan Squares really take it to the next level.
By karotwo
carbon,tx
on March 16, 2013
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I love the topping but the crust was horrible. Maybe a shortbread crust. My crust was way to think and did not crumble. Will not be making this again
By ljl13
Perkiomenville, PA
on December 25, 2012
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These babies are to die for. I keep finding excuses to make this recipe. I have started halving the recipe though, because I can't resist eating 2 at a time when they're just laying around. Also, I cut my bars much smaller. They're almost too rich to eat that much at once.
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