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Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

These indulgent bars elevate classic pecan pie with a buttery, nutty twist. Featuring a rich brown butter crust and a gooey pecan topping, they capture the flavors of traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-serve bar. With their irresistible layers and depth of flavor, these bars are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. They offer a sophisticated take on a classic dessert, perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients (serves 12-16):

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp. salt

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, browned
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a saucepan, melt the butter for the crust, letting it cook until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 4-5 min.). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the browned butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
3. Bake for 15-18 min., or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. In the same saucepan, brown ¾ cup butter for the filling. Once browned, whisk in the brown sugar, honey, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the baked crust, then pour the filling evenly over the pecans. Bake for 30-35 min., or until the filling is set and golden.
6. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.