Indulge your senses in the irresistible goodness of Carolina Pecan Bars. This delightful dessert combines the rich flavors of pecans, butter, and cream cheese to create a heavenly treat for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
Cake:
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| Pecans, roughly chopped |
1 ½ cups |
| Butter |
1 tablespoon |
| White sugar |
2 cups |
| Butter (two sticks) |
1 cup |
| Eggs, room temperature |
4 |
| Vanilla extract |
2 teaspoons |
| Maple extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Flour |
3 cups |
| Baking powder |
2 teaspoons |
| Salt |
1 teaspoon |
| Whole milk |
1 cup |
Frosting:
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| Powdered sugar |
6 cups |
| Cream cheese, room temperature |
12 oz (1 ½ packages) |
| Butter |
⅔ cup |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Maple extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Milk |
1-2 tablespoons |
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 350 F or 180 C degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, readying it for the luscious creation.
- Toasting Pecans: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and toast the chopped pecans for 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- Mixing the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and 1 cup of butter. Mix until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating vanilla and maple extract. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, folding in toasted pecans.
- Baking the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Preparing the Frosting: While the cake bakes, mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and maple extract. Add milk gradually for a spreadable consistency.
- Assembling the Bars: Once the cake is cool, crumble it into fine crumbs. Stir in half of the cream cheese frosting, then press into an even layer. Top with the remaining frosting and pecan pieces.
- Serving and Enjoying: Let it cool completely, cut it into bars, and savor the heavenly Carolina Pecan Bars.
