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.
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Ingredients:
For the Crust:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 3 cups |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| White Sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Maple Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1 cup |
For the Topping:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (melted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Pecans (chopped) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Confectioners’ Sugar | 6 cups |
| Cream Cheese (softened) | 12 ounces |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Maple Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1-2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
Toast Pecans:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir until toasted. Remove from heat.
Make Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine butter and 1 cup of sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and maple extracts.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. Fold in toasted pecans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make Frosting:
- Combine confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Gradually add milk until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble:
- Spread frosting over cooled cake. Cut into squares and enjoy!
