“Holy MOLY were these tasty! I think my dad ate half the tray himself.”
These Carolina Pecan Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a moist pecan cake base, a rich cream cheese frosting, and a unique crumbled cake layer. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleasing treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Cake Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pecans, roughly chopped | 1 ½ cups |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| White sugar | 2 cups |
| Butter (2 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:
| Ingredient | 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 |
Instructions:
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toast the pecans: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir until toasted, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Cream sugar and butter: In a large bowl, combine sugar and 1 cup butter. Beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Add eggs one at a time, beating to combine after each. Add vanilla and maple extracts.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1 cup of milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in pecans: Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Bake the cake: Transfer batter to the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cake bakes, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, ⅔ cup butter, vanilla extract, and maple extract in a large bowl. Beat until smooth. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Crumble the cake: Once the cake is cool enough to handle, divide it in half. Scoop out one half into a large bowl and crumble it. Stir ¼ of the frosting into the crumbled cake. Repeat with the second half of the cake and another ¼ of the frosting.
- Assemble the bars: Transfer the crumbled cake mixture back into the baking dish and press into an even layer.
- Frost and chill: Top the pressed cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle with additional pecan pieces, if desired. Refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Cut into small squares and serve chilled.
