Pecan Squares

Show: Barefoot ContessaEpisode: Ina's Take-Out

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (289)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(289)

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
claire orange, CA 10-29-2009
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wow!!!
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

Like what others were saying the filling was way too much, It overflow.. i will not try this again.
recipe Pecan Squares
Debbie Folsom, CA 10-24-2009
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Didn't like the taste....
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

if I make these again, I will leave out the zest of the orange and lemon. Both hubby and I felt it overpowered the natural... flavor of the pecan....we were both disappointed in the flavor. And the dough was way too much, I'd cut it down to 2/3 and possibly half of what is in the recipe. Overall, not happy with the outcome. Will make considerable modifications if I make them again. Also, I lined my pan with aluminum foil and used it to build up the sides of the 18x12x1 pan and it didn't boil over.Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
michael taos, NM 10-19-2009
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Use Common Sense!!!
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

Just a quick note: I used the recommended 12"x18"x1" pan; HOWEVER, this pan will NOT hold all of the filling! It was obvious... to me that the pan would not contain the amount of filling made, so I reduced the amount of filling used by approximately 20% and it still bubbled over significantly. Mind you, I lined underneath with foil, but the overflow was enough that it burned upon contact with the foil. Also note that the filling began to pour over less than half way through the cooking time, so that it had a solid 18 minutes of boiling over before the recipe was finished cooking. There was simply far too much filling pouring over for any amount of aluminum foil to catch. A much deeper pan is STRONGLY recommended. Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
ruby San Jose, CA 10-04-2009
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Ina Hit Outa the Park Once Again!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

These were fabulous in keeping with Ina's culinary fabulousness. We loved them, especially the next day after a night in the... fridge. One question though: Does Ina ever do anything in small quantities? Not that I'm complaining. . . But come on! 2+ pounds of butter and 2 pounds of nuts. I mean Wow! But way Yummy!Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
Ben Parkersburg, WV 09-23-2009
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Perfect After-Dinner with Coffee Treat!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made these bars the other night and served them with coffee after our usual weekly dinner with the boys (they're actually... our group of adult friends, but I feel like they're my boys when I cook for them). Anyway, they were a hit. I dipped them in chocolate like Ina did on the show, which made them even better. The perfect thing to serve as a simple dessert with coffee on the deck. Nuts always make me think of fall, and this was such a good way to usher in the season. The shortbread crust is just earthy enough to contrast the sweetness of the filling. And you can really taste the citrus zest, which makes them just a little fancier than your usual cookie bar. Oh, and they freeze beautifully. Thank you again, Ina!Read more
recipe Pecan Squares
Joanne Waukesha, WI 09-22-2009
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Delicious Pecan Square
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this recipe for a church luncheon and they disappeared in a flash. I followed Ina's recipe but used half dark Karo... and half honey. I did not have a 12 by 18 pan so used two 9 x 13's as per an earlier cooks comments. I also took a batch to my hairdresser and all the workers also requested the recipe. It got lots of ooh's and aah's. This is the recipe I will be using from now on. Thanks Ina!! Read more