Chocolate Pecan Bars Recipe – A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love, look no further than these Chocolate Pecan Bars. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a buttery base makes for a mouthwatering treat. Perfect for large gatherings or as a simple snack, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next event.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Margarine | 3/4 cup |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Pecans (chopped) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 134.9 |
| Fat Content | 8.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 19.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 43.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 13.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.9 g |
| Sugar Content | 9.5 g |
| Protein Content | 2.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
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Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later use.
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Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Add in the butter and margarine, then cut them into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
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Press the Mixture: Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a smooth, even layer. Make sure it’s well packed to create a sturdy crust.
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Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes. This will give it a golden brown color and set the foundation for the rest of the bars.
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Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Add the Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. This will add that delicious crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate.
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Top the Crust: Once the crust has baked and cooled slightly, spread the pecan mixture evenly over the top of the crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out into a uniform layer.
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Bake Again: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and set. The center should be firm, and the bars should have a slight golden color on top.
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Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 36 bars for the perfect serving size.
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Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be stored at room temperature if you’re planning to enjoy them within a couple of days.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Pecan Bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, bringing them to a family gathering, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. You can even drizzle them with some melted chocolate for extra flair or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between rich, chocolatey goodness and the buttery crunch of pecans. It’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it yields 36 servings, so it’s a great option for large groups or for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Chocolate Pecan Bars are sure to impress. They’re sweet, satisfying, and indulgent, yet simple enough to prepare in just under an hour. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful bars—they’ll be the star of the show!
Keywords: Chocolate Pecan Bars, Dessert, Cookie Bars, Pecan Dessert, Easy Baking, Nutty Dessert, Chocolate Bars, Family-Friendly Dessert, Quick Dessert, Large Group Treat
