Chocolate Pecan Bar
Rich chocolate pecan bars with a crunchy crust and gooey filling, featuring deep cocoa flavor and toasted pecans, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at gatherings or as a treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in one beaten egg.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat condensed milk, remaining egg, and maple flavoring; stir in pecan halves.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
- Arrange pecan halves evenly over the top.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the cocoa mixture. If you don't have maple flavoring, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the butter is very cold for a better crumbly texture. For added crunch, mix in some chocolate chips with the pecans before pouring the mixture over the crust.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate pecan bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair them with coffee or a glass of milk for a perfect treat. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert platters, especially when paired with Mary Meskausksas' Quick Peanut Butter Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Pecan Bar contains roughly 1905 calories, with 34g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly, but both options will still provide a deliciously nutty taste.
What can I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars are crumbly, it may be due to insufficient binding from the eggs or butter. Ensure you mix the ingredients well, and consider adding an additional egg to the filling mixture for better cohesion.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing them. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making them even more delicious when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).