Indulge in the quintessential American dessert, pecan squares, with our collection of delectable recipes. These sweet and nutty treats are characterized by a buttery shortbread crust, a rich filling of chopped pecans and brown sugar, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Explore variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, and even a low-carb option. Each recipe provides detailed instructions, helpful tips, and enticing photos to guide you through the baking process. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our comprehensive guide will equip you to create these classic pecan squares that are sure to impress and satisfy.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PECAN SQUARES
We make these all year long and when we want to go "over the top" we dip half of each square in warm chocolate.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories dessert
Time 55m
Yield 20 large squares
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- 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 by 12 by 1-inch 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.
MAPLE PECAN SHORTBREAD SQUARES
These squares are my husband's favorite. We get some real, pure maple syrup from back home in Ontario, Canada, and they are just to die for. Hope you enjoy as much as we do.
Provided by Tracey Lafave Kessler
Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Pecan Dessert Recipes
Time 2h15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Combine the flour and 1/3 cup brown sugar in a mixer. Mix in the softened butter until a dough has formed. Press into an ungreased 8x8-inch baking dish, and prick with a fork.
- Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. While the shortbread is baking, beat the egg in a mixing bowl along with 1/3 cup brown sugar, maple syrup, and pecans. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust, and return to the oven. Continue baking until firmed, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and immediately run a knife around the edges to prevent sticking. Cool completely, then cut into 1-inch squares to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.9 calories, Carbohydrate 18 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 48.3 mg, Sugar 11.3 g
PECAN SQUARES
If you like pecan pie, you're sure to love these bars. They don't last very long at my house.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h10m
Yield 20 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar. Gradually add flour, mixing until blended. Pat into an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until golden., In another small bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt until smooth. Pour over crust; sprinkle with pecans. Bake 40-45 minutes longer or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 175 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
PECAN CREAM CHEESE SQUARES
From Wills Point, Texas, field editor Dorothy Pritchett says, "This rich, easy dessert is perfect after a light meal."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 3 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, 1 egg and butter until blended. Stir in pecans. Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and remaining eggs until smooth. Pour over pecan mixture. , Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack; cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 140mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
PECAN SQUARES ALA THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA - INA GARTEN
This is a pie recipe but she made it in bars. Dipping one end it chocolate makes a beautiful presentation. The recipes make a lot so servings is a guesstimate and depends on on the size you cut the bars into.
Provided by dojemi
Categories Dessert
Time 1h5m
Yield 32 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- 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 by 12 by 1-inch 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.
- Dip one end in chocolate, if desired.
- Flatten cupcake papers and top each with a bar.
PECAN SQUARES
Falling somewhere between a pie and a cookie, this pastry tops a crisp crust with a thick layer of pecans. The sweet pecan filling offers a delicious variation on the pecan pie-perfect for dessert, lunch, or an afternoon snack.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes about 32 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place rack in center of oven. Heat oven to 375 degrees. To make the crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add salt, and mix to combine. Add flour 1 cup at a time, on medium speed, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together in large clumps.
- Press dough about 1/4-inch thick into a 9-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan. Prick the pastry with the tines of a fork. Chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Reduce oven to 325 degrees. To make the filling: Place butter, brown sugar, honey, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and salt in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; stir in nuts and vanilla.
- Pour filling onto the cooled crust. Bake until filling bubbles, 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Run a paring knife around edges of the pan, and invert onto cooling rack, leaving the pastry on the rack. Invert rack with pastry onto a cutting board, leaving the pastry on the board, filling side up. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1-by-3-inch bars. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
PECAN TOFFEE SQUARES
This is my great uncle's favorite dessert. I made this for his birthday(2/29) until Alzheimer's took him away from us. Every time I make this, it prompts my husband and sons to share their memories of him. Can be served warm or cold with or without Cool Whip® topping. Refrigerate leftovers.
Provided by Diane Horner
Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Pecan Dessert Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Mix sweetened condensed milk, 1 egg, pecans, toffee bits, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well blended; set aside.
- Cut the butter and 1 egg into the yellow cake mix in a large bowl with a knife or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumbs into the prepared pan to form a bottom layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven until firm, about 7 minutes. Spread pecan filling over the baked bottom layer, then continue baking until the filling has set, 22 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with whipped topping.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 374.5 calories, Carbohydrate 43.6 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 300 mg, Sugar 29.1 g
MOTHER'S PECAN SQUARES
Like a slice of pecan pie in bar form, delicious.
Provided by Millin Moscoso
Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Pecan Dessert Recipes
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cream the butter and 1 cup of the dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 beaten egg then add the flour and until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Cover the batter with the remaining well-beaten egg. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the dark brown sugar over the surface then sprinkle with the chopped pecans and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes then cut into squares.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 218 calories, Carbohydrate 28 g, Cholesterol 35.8 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 65.7 mg, Sugar 18 g
HONEY-PECAN SQUARES
When we left Texas to head north, a neighbor gave me so many pecans from his trees that my trunk was bulging at the seams. This is one of the squares I brought back for him the next year. He loved them! -Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 45m
Yield 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-in. baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides of pan. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned. , In a small saucepan, combine the first six filling ingredients; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans and maple flavoring. Pour over crust., Bake 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Lifting with parchment, transfer to a cutting board; cut into bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292 calories, Fat 19g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
SALTED PECAN SHORTBREAD SQUARES
My shortbread squares are the ultimate go-to for cookie trays and gift-giving. The buttery caramel and toasted nuts make it tough to eat just one. -Diana Ashcraft, Monmouth, Oregon
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 50m
Yield 4 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line two 13x9-in. baking pans with foil, letting ends extend up sides of pan., Place flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch and salt in a food processor; pulse until blended. Add butter; pulse until butter is the size of peas. Divide mixture between prepared pans; press onto bottom of pans. Bake 10-12 minutes or until light brown. Cool on a wire rack., For filling, melt butter in a large saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips, cream and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans. Spread over crusts., Bake 12-15 minutes or until filling is bubbly. Cool completely in pans on wire racks. Using foil, lift the shortbread out of pans. Gently peel off foil; cut each shortbread into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 201 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 70mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
MAPLE PECAN SHORTBREAD SQUARES
Categories Nut
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Directions: 1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Combine the flour and 1/3 cup brown sugar in a mixer. Mix in the softened butter until a dough has formed. Press into an ungreased 8x8-inch baking dish, and prick with a fork. 3. Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. While the shortbread is baking, beat the egg in a mixing bowl along with 1/3 cup brown sugar, maple syrup, and pecans. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust, and return to the oven. Continue baking until firmed, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and immediately run a knife around the edges to prevent sticking. Cool completely, then cut into 1-inch squares to serve.
RASPBERRY PECAN SQUARES
The combination of the shortbread and raspberry is one of my favorites. And, this pair is topped with a pecan pie-like filling. Yum!-Donna Lindecamp, Morganton, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 55m
Yield 16 squares.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Spread with jam., In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, salt and baking soda; stir in pecans. Pour over jam. Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.
Nutrition Facts :
CREAM CHEESE PECAN CROISSANT SQUARES
I made this yummy treat for our Woman's Ministries lunch meeting the last time. They were very good and well received. Rich, but not over the top! Oh yes I had to make an extra one for my husband and two teen daughter's they love them.
Provided by LORI Seal
Categories Other Snacks
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll 1 can of dough; place in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Press in bottom to form crust; firmly press perforations to seal.
- 2. In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Microwave on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds or until warm. Stir cream cheese mixture until smooth; spread evenly over dough in pan.
- 3. Unroll second can of dough on work surface. Press to form 13x9-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Carefully place over cream cheese mixture.
- 4. In small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Sprinkle with pecans. Pour melted butter evenly over dough.5 Bake at 375°F. for 20 to 27 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Cut into squares. Serve warm or cool. Store in refrigerator.
TURTLE CHOCOLATE CARAMEL-PECAN SQUARES
Make and share this Turtle Chocolate Caramel-Pecan Squares recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 4h30m
Yield 16 squares
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Set oven to 350 degrees.
- Set the oven rack to the middle postion.
- Butter and flour a 9-inch baking pan (tap off excess flour in the pan).
- For the chocolate layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the chocolate and the butter over low heat, stirring until smooth; remove the pan from the heat, cool the mixture to lukewarm.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and the salt; add to the chocolate mixture, beating JUST until the batter is combined well.
- Add in the mini chocolate chips (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chocolate layer tests done.
- Cool completely on a rack.
- For the caramel-pecan layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the sugar, corn syrup, water and a Pinch of salt to a boil, over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Then boil the mixture WITHOUT stirring, until the mixture turns a golden caramel.
- Remove pan from the heat, and carefully add the cream and vanilla (be careful, the mixture will bubble up, and steam).
- Stir in the pecans, and QUICKLY pour the mixture over the chocolate layer in the pan, spreading evenly.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel for garnish if desired.
- Chill the chocolate-caramel squares, loosely covered, until the caramel if firm (at least 4 hours).
- Cut into 16 squares.
- Let the squares come to room temperature before eating.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
PECAN AND PINEAPPLE SQUARES
Have been making this slice for years. One of those family recipes that has always seemed to have been around. Great for lunches.
Provided by Sueie
Categories Breads
Time 45m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine flour and sugar in bowl.
- Rub in butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in pecans.
- Press 2 cups of the mixture into a greased slice tray.
- Blend together baking soda, cinnamon, egg, sour crem and vanilla.
- Add to remaining mixture combining well.
- Stir in well drained pineapple and sultanas.
- Spread mixture over the base.
- Bake in moderate oven for about 35 minutes or until cooked when tested.
- Cool in pan before cutting into squares.
PECAN SQUARES
These are a family favorite from the Silver Palate Cookbook. They can be served warm with ice-cream or on a cookie platter.
Provided by cookiedog
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 1h5m
Yield 36 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F Grease a 9 x 12 inch baking pan.
- Sift sugar and flour together.Cut in butter, using two knives or a pastry blender, until fine crumbs form. Pat crust into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes; remove from oven.
- Topping: Mix melted butter, honey, cream and brown sugar together. Stir in pecans, coating them thoroughly. Spread over crust.
- Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes more. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
BUTTER PECAN PIE SQUARES
Make and share this Butter Pecan Pie Squares recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 1h
Yield 3 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl; cut in 1/2 cup butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Press mixture evenly into a greased 9-inch square pan.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Combine next 7 ingredients, and beat well.
- Stir in pecans.
- Pour filling over prepared crust.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool on a rack; cut into squares.
PECAN TOFFEE SQUARES
These little toffee squares make a great addition to a holiday gift basket or tin. Super easy to prepare and everyone wants more!
Provided by FolkDiva
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 25m
Yield 24-48 toffee squares, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Line a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan with graham crackers.
- Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil and cook exactly 2 minutes. Pour Mixture over graham crackers. Sprinkle with nuts.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Cut in to small squares to serve.
PECAN-BACON SQUARES A LA MODE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h
Yield 9 squares
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch-square baking dish and line with nonstick foil, leaving an overhang on 2 sides. Lightly butter the foil.
- Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Add the lemon juice and pulse until the dough just comes together. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the filling: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes; drain on paper towels. Whisk the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla and vinegar in a medium bowl until combined.
- Scatter the pecans and bacon over the prepared crust, then pour in the filling. Bake until the filling is set and the nuts are golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a rack, then lift out of the pan using the overhanging foil. Cut into squares and top with ice cream and more pecans.
PECAN SQUARES
Categories Dairy Dessert Bake Pecan Winter Honey Bon Appétit Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes about 20 squares
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan. Blend flour and powdered sugar in processor. Add butter and cut in, using on/off turns, until moist clumps form. Press dough onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Maintain oven temperature.
- Stir pecans, brown sugar, honey and cream in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Boil until mixture bubbles, about 2 minutes.
- Pour pecan mixture over crust. Bake until filling bubbles and is light caramel color, about 20 minutes. Cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover tightly and store at room temperature.) Cut into squares and serve.
Tips:
- For a gooey center: Use a combination of butter and brown sugar in the filling. The butter will help to create a smooth, creamy texture, while the brown sugar will add a rich, molasses-like flavor.
- For a crispy crust: Use a combination of flour, sugar, and butter in the crust. The flour will provide structure, the sugar will add sweetness, and the butter will help to create a flaky texture.
- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy: Pre-bake the crust before adding the filling. This will help to create a barrier between the crust and the filling, preventing the crust from absorbing too much moisture.
- To ensure the filling is cooked through: Bake the pecan squares until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- To add a nutty flavor: Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. This will help to bring out their natural flavor and aroma.
- To make the pecan squares even more decadent: Add a layer of chocolate chips or caramel to the filling.
Conclusion:
Pecan squares are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can create pecan squares that are gooey, crispy, and full of flavor. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give pecan squares a try!
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