Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves or pieces

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and ¼ cup powdered sugar until smooth.
  3. Stir in 1½ cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pinched.
  4. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the edges are barely golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup melted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar until no lumps remain.
  7. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition.
  8. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  9. Fold in 2 cups pecan halves or pieces using a spatula until every nut is coated.
  10. Pour the pecan mixture over the warm, pre-baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  11. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top has a deep, glossy caramel appearance.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours before slicing into 16 bars.