Carolina Pecan Bars

If you’re in the mood for a sweet Southern treat, look no further than Carolina Pecan Bars. These delectable bars combine the rich flavors of toasted pecans, buttery goodness, and a heavenly frosting to create a dessert that will leave your taste buds singing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of making these delightful treats, step by step.

Ingredients:
INGREDIENTS
– Pecans, chopped
– Butter
– Flour
– Sugar
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Eggs
– Vanilla extract
For the Frosting:

INGREDIENTS
– Butter
– Powdered sugar
– Milk or cream
– Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Toasting Pecans
The first step in making Carolina Pecan Bars is to toast the pecans to perfection. Here’s how you do it:

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In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped pecans to the melted butter.
Stir occasionally, allowing the pecans to toast until they’re fragrant and have a slight golden hue. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Remove the toasted pecans from heat and set them aside.
Preparing the Batter
With your toasted pecans ready, it’s time to prepare the delicious batter for your Carolina Pecan Bars:

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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Mix until everything is well combined.
Now, fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking
The next step is to bake your Carolina Pecan Bars to perfection:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
The Extraordinary Frosting
While your bars are baking, let’s work on the extraordinary frosting that will elevate these bars to the next level:

Melt butter in a saucepan.
Once melted, add in powdered sugar and whisk continuously.
As the mixture thickens, slowly add milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Finish it off with a splash of vanilla extract.
Assembling the Delight
Once your Carolina Pecan Bars are baked and slightly cooled, it’s time to assemble the delight:

Generously spread the frosting over the bars, ensuring it covers every corner.
Let the bars set for a bit, allowing the frosting to firm up.
Finally, slice the bars into squares and get ready to indulge in pure Southern goodness.
Notes
These bars are quite rich, so cutting them into smaller pieces might be a good idea.
For an added twist, consider drizzling them with some caramel or sprinkling a touch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Carolina Pecan Bars, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a taste of Southern hospitality that you can share with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans? Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for Carolina Pecan Bars, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor twist.

How should I store leftover Carolina Pecan Bars? To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a special occasion? Certainly! Carolina Pecan Bars can be prepared in advance and stored until your special event. Just ensure they are properly covered and stored to maintain their freshness.

What type of cream should I use for the frosting? You can use either milk or cream for the frosting, depending on your preference. Both options will yield a delicious result.

Are Carolina Pecan Bars suitable for vegetarians? Yes, these bars are vegetarian-friendly as they do not contain any meat products.

Can I freeze Carolina Pecan Bars? Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

Carolina Pecan Bars are a delightful Southern treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. With a rich, buttery crust, toasted pecans, and a heavenly frosting, these bars are a taste of Southern hospitality you can share with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, you’re in for a treat that captures the essence of Southern cuisine