MAPLE PECAN BARS

Maple Pecan Bars image

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Crust:
----------------
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter cut into 3/4 inch pieces
----------------
Filling:
----------------
6 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2/3 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup quick cooking oats

Steps:

To Make the Crust: ---------------- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt and mix. Add the butter and using a pastry blender, mix butter into flour mixture until pea sized crumbs form. Line 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick foil, letting it extend up the sides of pan. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust until the edges are lightly browned and the top feels firm when lightly touched, 12 - 17 minutes. Set aside. ---------------- To Make the Filling: ---------------- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar and stir together until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the cream. Then stir in the pecans and oatmeal. Pour the hot filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly to the edges with an icing spatula. Bake at 350F until the filling is set when you give the pan a gentle shake, 22-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to let cool until firm, about 1 1/2 hours. Using the ends of the paper or foil liner, carefully lift the maple-pecan square in its liner from the baking pan. Loosen the paper or foil from the edges and cut into 20 - 25 small squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.