Carolina Pecan Bars are a beloved Southern dessert, known for their rich, buttery base and the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch from toasted pecans. Passed down through generations, these bars are a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties, embodying the warmth and comfort of Southern hospitality. With layers of soft, chewy texture and a creamy, nut-studded frosting, these bars have just the right amount of sweetness to make them a decadent treat without being overwhelming. Whether you're a fan of traditional Southern desserts or just love anything with pecans, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Photo bypinterest

One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. While pecans are the star ingredient, you can easily add other flavors to make this dessert your own. The use of cream cheese in the frosting gives it a tangy richness that perfectly complements the sweet, nutty flavors in the bars. Maple extract adds a unique depth to the recipe, offering a slight hint of warmth that elevates the pecans and butter, while vanilla rounds out the flavors. These pecan bars are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with different types of nuts or add-ins, like shredded coconut or chocolate chips, to make them even more indulgent.

The base of these bars is a tender, buttery crust made with flour, sugar, and eggs, which creates a soft, cake-like texture that pairs beautifully with the crunchy pecans. Once the bars are baked, they're topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that’s thick and creamy, adding a luxurious layer of flavor. For an added touch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the frosting for extra crunch and visual appeal. These bars store well, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties or as a delicious snack to keep on hand throughout the week.

Not only are Carolina Pecan Bars a classic dessert, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. By using simple, pantry-staple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and eggs, this recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special equipment. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, combined with the rich texture of pecans, makes each bite a satisfying treat that’s sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re enjoying them at a holiday celebration or simply as an afternoon indulgence, these pecan bars will quickly become a beloved dessert in your home.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• • - Calories: 450 kcal
  • - Protein: 5g
  • - Carbohydrates: 56g
  • - Fat: 22g
  • - Sugars: 45g
  • - Sodium: 180mg

Storage Information:

Carolina Pecan Bars store well and can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a gooey, soft texture. The cream cheese frosting will stay smooth and delicious even after being refrigerated or frozen.

Carolina Pecan Bars offer the perfect base for experimenting with flavors and textures. While pecans and maple extract give these bars their signature Southern charm, you can easily make small adjustments to create new variations. Try adding toasted coconut for extra crunch and a tropical twist, or fold in some chocolate chips for a richer, sweeter version. You can also sprinkle sea salt over the top for a delightful salty-sweet combination. For a more festive treat, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to give it a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Photo bypinterest

Carolina Pecan Bars Recipe

For the bars:

• - 4 large eggs
• - 2 cups white sugar
• - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• - 3 cups all-purpose flour
• - 2 teaspoons baking powder
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• - 2 teaspoons maple extract
• - 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• - 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• - 11 2/3 tablespoons butter, softened
• - 6 cups confectioners' sugar
• - 1 tablespoon milk
• - Chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and maple extracts.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

5. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, followed by the milk, and continue beating until the frosting is thick and creamy.

6. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then sprinkle with chopped pecans for garnish. Cut into squares and serve.

These Carolina Pecan Bars are a delightful combination of buttery, nutty flavors with a soft, cake-like texture and a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite flavors, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.