Carolina Pecan Bars are also wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy them slightly warm for a softer, gooier texture or chilled for a firmer, candy-like bite. They store well, travel well, and often taste even better the next day as the flavors settle. Whether you grew up with a version of this recipe or are trying it for the first time, these bars capture the heart of Southern baking: simple ingredients, generous flavor, and a dessert meant to be shared with love.
Ingredients
For the crust
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ teaspoon salt
For the pecan topping
1½ cups packed brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup honey or light corn syrup
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. While the crust bakes, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, honey, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust, spreading evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is set and lightly bubbling. Cool completely before slicing into bars.