Best Ever Pecan Bars for Nana

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

plate of pecan bars


 

I have such fond childhood memories of my parents.  The oldest of 5 children I was fortunate to have my mom all to myself until I was 6.  I can remember silly things like toe pinching wars when I was a kid.  My mom is especially creative and we made a lot of crafts together.  I remember her helping me with school projects, like my 3rd grade presentation of the human body.  We created a puppet show.  Everything from the puppets to the script and stage.  Of course I got an A+.  

40872_1417987133175_2206989_n-8087346

My parents married when they were young and they are still happily married 42 years later.

When I was in my 20’s I moved to Arizona, 2,246 miles away where I met Chad and was blessed with Munchkin years later.  At this point my mom became Nana.

Today more than ever that distance seems insurmountable.  You see, last year we found out Nana was ill.  She has been fighting with every ounce of faith, courage and grace she has.  Nana is such a shining example to us all and it breaks my heart to tell you that things are not good.  We received a few tough blows these last few weeks.  We are so blessed to have spent an entire week with her recently.

nana-papa-2012-3045794

 Nana and Papa on vacation with us in Sedona last year.

During our trip I made these Pecan Bars for my niece KK’s birthday.  These bars are coveted by my family.  They beg for them.  I sent an entire pan last Christmas and was receiving Facebook messages begging for more.  Well, with 20+ people I guess a 12×18 pan doesn’t go far.


Most of all, these Pecan Bars are my mom’s favorite.  Oddly she is the one who originally gave me the recipe years ago from a friend at work.  I, of course, took the recipe and tweaked it.  It’s been a family favorite ever since.  I joke, but I am pretty sure if these bars weren’t shipped at Christmas…  They would disown me.

We thank you all for your continued support and ask that you keep praying with us.

Update:  My mom left this earth to be with our Father in heaven 8/12/13.  We miss you, Mom!

With love from our Kitchen Table to yours.  XOXO

Get Free Recipes Sent to Your Email

Do you ❤️ TSRI? Don’t miss another recipe!

Subscribe to The Slow Roasted Italian by email to receive new recipes in your inbox!!

The Best Ever Pecan Bars

Crust

1¼ pounds (5 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

4½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Topping:

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup Karo light corn syrup

3 cups light brown sugar, packed

¼ cup heavy cream

2 pounds pecans, chopped

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, corn syrup, and brown sugar 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.

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten.

11 Comments

  1. G'day! LOVE your recipe and photo too!
    LOVE the stories behind the foods…and seems your Nana is a very special lady ..
    Cheers! Joanne

  2. Love that you shared your Mom and Dad with us…..I pray for many miracles to come Mom's way. It brought tears to my eyes to read the story. I lost my Mom 19 years ago and only had 5 days to be with her before she passed. I miss her every day. God Bless you and your family.

  3. I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know what it's like to watch a parent struggle. I'll be praying for your family tonight.

  4. I'll definitely have to try these, My oldest grandson simply loves pecan pie! He is now in college & don't really think a pie would hold up too well in the mail, lol! This sounds perfect! Thank you for sharing. My sincere sympathy on your Mom's passing sending prayers for you & family <3

  5. I have made these and they truly are the best pecan pie bars I've ever eaten. Will make these again! Thank you!

    1. Hi Busylady2day,
      We are so happy she loves them! They are our favorite dessert for Thanksgiving, we even have to ship them to family 🙂 Have a great day!
      TSRI Team Member,
      Holli

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *