Christine'S Pecan Squares
Christine's Pecan Squares are decadent dessert bars featuring a buttery crust topped with rich brown sugar filling and crunchy pecans, perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl.
- Work in 1 cup butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons white vinegar.
- Press the dough into a 10x15x1-inch baking pan, shaping up the sides.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 beaten eggs to make the filling.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling. If you don't have dark brown sugar, you can substitute with light brown sugar or a mix of granulated sugar with molasses. To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure the crust is well-baked before adding the filling. This recipe is similar to American recipes that emphasize buttery, sweet treats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pecan squares with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They pair beautifully with large blueberry muffins for a brunch spread or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christine'S Pecan Squares contains roughly 248 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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 make these pecan squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pecan squares a day in advance. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even tastier.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still yield a delicious result.
How can I tell when the pecan squares are done baking?
The pecan squares are done when the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. You can also insert a toothpick into the filling; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, indicating that they are perfectly baked.
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).