Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Salt: ½ teaspoon

For the Topping:

• Butter: ⅔ cup
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed
• Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons
• Pecans: 1 cup, chopped
• Chocolate Chips: 1 cup

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Press the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming an even layer.
5. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and firm. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan and Chocolate Topping

1. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Stir in Pecans: Add the chopped pecans to the mixture and stir until they are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the slightly cooled crust in the baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the Topping: Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the chocolate chips and crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden.
3. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This helps the topping set, making it easier to slice into bars.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the dessert into bars. Serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 24 servings):

• Calories: ~220
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements.

FAQs:

Q: Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
A: Yes! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes for pecans. You can also use a mix of nuts for added texture and flavor.

Q: Do I have to use chocolate chips?
A: While chocolate adds a delicious layer, you can omit it if you prefer or substitute with white chocolate chips or caramel chips for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for Making Chocolate Pecan Bars:

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Softer butter mixes more easily with the sugar, helping to create a well-blended crust.
2. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on both the crust and the final bake time. Overbaking can result in a too-crispy crust or a hard topping.
3. Use a Lined Pan for Easy Removal: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper allows you to lift out the entire dessert for easy cutting.
4. Customize Your Bars: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist, or drizzle melted chocolate on top once they’re cooled for extra decadence.

Storage Tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. They’ll firm up a bit but will remain delicious.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store them in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Chocolate Pecan Bars make a wonderful dessert on their own, but they’re even more delightful when paired with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re versatile and easy to dress up, making them ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

Conclusion:

Chocolate Pecan Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust are an indulgent treat, blending the nuttiness of pecans, the richness of chocolate, and the smoothness of a buttery crust. Each bite is packed with flavor and texture, making these bars truly satisfying. Perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners, this dessert is sure to become a favorite. Make these bars for a quick and satisfying treat that your friends and family will love.