Ina's Pecan Bars
I love sticky, sweet pecans.
I make a pecan chocolate pie every Thanksgiving that is simple and delish.
But, I really wish someone would please bake me the pecan cream cake in this month's Saveur magazine! (I said please!).
I am not a layer-cake, frosting, baker type of girl, but this cake with the coconut and cream cheese, loaded with Southern pecans, has my mouth watering.
FYI: My birthday is December 23.
Instead, I made Ina's famous pecan bars. I like this recipe, 'cause she doesn't use corn syrup, instead she uses honey.
Much better choice.
She used to sell these back in the day, when she had a fabulous takeout shop in the Hamptons called "Barefoot Contessa".
They would sell out by the end of the day.
This recipe makes a lot. Enough to freeze. If you don't have an 18" x 12" pan, then bake them in two 9" x 13" pans.
If you are afraid of the butter quantity (and it is SCARY), then cut the recipe in half to make about 10 big bars!
Ina's Pecan Bars (adapted from The Barefoot Contessa):
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
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 x 12 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.
These can be made ahead and frozen, so make them today and freeze them for Thanksgiving!
Comments
Sam
Bernardine
Thanks for the memories!
Bea
Thank you for all the wonderful recipes!
I have updated the recipe to say that you can cut the recipe in half.
Her original recipe makes A LOT!
Enough for two 9 x 13 pans, so they are great to freeze.
The link to the original recipe is in the post, and yup, that's a lot of butter, but that's probably why they are so good!
Stacey
Also, I think I've made these before! So good.