Description

A rich, chewy, pecan-packed sweet bread bar with a crackly top and buttery crumb—inspired by Southern baking traditions. Perfect with coffee, tea, or as a holiday treat. Easily adaptable to gluten-free or lower-sugar diets.

Ingredients

– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

– ½ teaspoon baking powder

– ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

– ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

– 2 large eggs, room temperature

– 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 2 cups (220g) chopped pecans, lightly toasted

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until thick and glossy (about 2 minutes).
Whisk in melted butter and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and fold gently just until no dry streaks remain.
Lightly toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350°F for 6–8 minutes. Let cool, then fold into batter.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is shiny, crackly, and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Use parchment overhang to lift out, then cut into bars.

Notes

– Toast the pecans for deeper flavor—but don’t overdo it; they burn easily.

– Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 certified gluten-free flour blend.

– Lower sugar: Replace sugars with monk fruit or stevia blends (adjust for volume).

– Vegan option: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water), plant-based butter, and vegan sugar.

– Do not overbake—the bars firm up as they cool and should stay soft and chewy.

– Make ahead: Batter can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert / Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: ~130
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 65mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg