Try This Simple Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe!

Joanna Gaines’s pecan bars whisper southern comfort through every decadent morsel.

Layers of caramelized magic unfold on a golden, crumbly base that beckons dessert lovers.

Nutty undertones weave through each bite, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Her recipe captures the soul of homestyle baking with effortless grace.

Buttery, rich flavors meld into a symphony that dances across your palate.

These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience that connects generations through sweet tradition.

One taste promises to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and love.

Check out this irresistible treat and let the indulgence begin.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 324 kcal

Servings: 11

Pecan Bars by Joanna Gaines: Ingredients Overview

• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality butter with a rich, creamy texture for the best flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Choose pure, fine sugar that dissolves smoothly for a consistent crust texture.
• Kosher Salt: Use fresh, flaky salt to enhance the overall sweetness of the crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, unbleached flour for a tender and light base.

• Corn Syrup: Select a clear, light corn syrup for a glossy and smooth filling consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for a deeper, more robust caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for better mixing and smoother texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for an authentic, rich aromatic experience.
• Pecans: Select fresh, whole pecans with a crisp, nutty crunch and no rancid smell.

• Parchment Paper: Use unbleached, non-stick parchment paper for easy bar removal.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Select a neutral cooking spray to prevent sticking without altering flavor.

Tools for Making Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Bars

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining pecan filling ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for blending butter and creating smooth crust.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for creating uniform pecan bars.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy bar removal and clean cutting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bars to cool evenly without moisture buildup.
• Sharp Knife: Clean, precise cutting of cooled bars into 12 pieces.
• Cooking Spray: Light coating to prevent sticking in the baking pan.

Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe Instructions

Craft Golden Pecan Bars

• Prepare Baking Canvas

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy lifting. Lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Create Buttery Foundation

Mix butter, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy. Slowly incorporate flour, blending until a crumbly texture develops. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges turn warm golden brown.

• Develop Luscious Pecan Topping

Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Gently fold in pecan pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

• Assemble and Bake

Pour pecan mixture over hot crust, spreading carefully to create an even layer. Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes until filling sets and develops a rich caramel-like color.

• Finish and Serve

Cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1.5 hours. Refrigerate for firmer texture. Use parchment paper handles to lift bars from pan. Slice into 12 delightful squares, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Storage Guidelines for Joanna’s Pecan Bars

• Store Strategically: Wrap individual pecan bars in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for Longer Life: Extend the shelf life by storing in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Carefully stack bars between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats will keep perfectly for 2-3 months when frozen.
• Serving Suggestion: Bring refrigerated or frozen bars to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original soft, buttery texture and enhance their delicious flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars

• Swap pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist. Each nut brings its own delightful flavor profile to the dessert.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars or mix chocolate chips into the filling for extra indulgence. Chocolate lovers will go crazy for this rich variation.
• Cut back on sugar by using half brown sugar and half maple syrup. This modification creates a more complex, less sweet taste that highlights the nutty flavors.
• Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.

Pecan Bars Serving Suggestions by Joanna

• Serve Warm for Comfort Vibes: Enjoy these pecan bars slightly warmed to enhance the buttery, caramel-like flavor and create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Complement the rich bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweet, nutty texture.
• Create Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a beautiful serving plate with fresh mint leaves, dust with powdered sugar, and add a few whole pecans for a sophisticated presentation.
• Pack for Sweet Picnic Treats: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for a portable, delightful dessert perfect for outdoor gatherings or lunch box surprises.

Heavenly Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines pecan bars create a sweet Southern treat with buttery caramel and rich pecans. Crumbly shortbread crust and glossy filling make these bars irresistible for guests you’ll want to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 oz (170 g) pecan pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 tbsps (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup dark or light corn syrup
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, creating a 2-inch overhang for easy removal.
2. Crust Formation: In a stand mixer, cream butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. Gradually add flour on low speed until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan and bake 20-22 minutes until edges turn golden-brown.
3. Filling Creation: Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Gently fold in pecan pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Assembly and Baking: Pour filling immediately over hot crust, spreading uniformly with a spatula. Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes until filling sets and develops a rich golden-brown color.
5. Cooling and Setting: Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely at room temperature, approximately 1.5 hours. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance texture and flavor.
6. Serving Preparation: Remove bars from pan using parchment paper sling. Slice into 12 precise squares, presenting a delectable dessert ready to be savored.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Use room temperature butter for smoother, more cohesive crust that binds perfectly without falling apart.
• Master Pecan Distribution: Gently fold pecans to ensure even spread, preventing clumping and creating uniform texture in every bite.
• Achieve Perfect Baking Color: Watch edges closely during baking; golden-brown indicates ideal doneness without burning or undercooking.
• Optimize Cooling Technique: Refrigeration is crucial for setting filling and enhancing flavor depth, so patience during cooling process guarantees best results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 324
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 194 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg