Butter Pecan Squares

Butter Pecan Squares Recipe - Delicious Dessert from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 16 squares

Introduction

Butter Pecan Squares are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and pecans. These sweet and nutty squares are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

History

The exact origins of Butter Pecan Squares are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a popular dessert for special occasions and gatherings.

Ingredients

0.5 cup (1 stick) softened butter
0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.75 cup all-purpose flour
2 cup (11.5 oz or 326 g) package of Hershey's milk chocolate chips, divided
0.75 cup chopped pecans, divided

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in the flour.
Add 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 0.5 cup of pecans to the mixture.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Remove from the oven.
Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips over the surface.
Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes or until the chips soften, then spread them evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup of pecans over the top and gently press them onto the chocolate.
Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into squares. This recipe makes about 16 squares.

Variations

Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the squares for a sweet and salty combination.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until fluffy to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to prevent a tough and dense texture.

- Allow the chocolate chips to soften before spreading them evenly over the squares for a smooth and glossy finish.

- Press the pecans gently onto the chocolate to ensure they stick to the squares.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Butter Pecan Squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until fluffy helps to incorporate air into the batter for a lighter texture.

- Allowing the chocolate chips to soften before spreading them ensures a smooth and glossy finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter for a dairy-free version.

- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Butter Pecan Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Butter Pecan Squares on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Butter Pecan Squares with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Butter Pecan Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squares in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Butter Pecan Squares contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Butter Pecan Squares contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Butter Pecan Squares contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Butter Pecan Squares contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Butter Pecan Squares are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and copper from the pecans.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, chocolate chips) and nuts (pecans) which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Butter Pecan Squares are a decadent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals from the pecans.

Summary

Butter Pecan Squares are a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a rich buttery base, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, these squares are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind that makes you want to sit outside with a glass of iced tea and watch the world go by. I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my mother, looking for inspiration for a new dessert to try. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and stained pieces of paper, my eyes landed on a handwritten note that caught my attention.

The note read "Butter Pecan Squares" in elegant cursive script, and underneath was a list of ingredients and instructions that seemed simple enough. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that this recipe would become one of my most cherished and beloved creations.

I followed the instructions carefully, combining butter, sugar, flour, and pecans to create a rich and decadent crust. As the squares baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of toasted pecans filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer dinged, I pulled the pan out of the oven and let it cool before cutting it into squares.

The first bite of the butter pecan squares was pure bliss. The buttery crust crumbled in my mouth, giving way to a chewy and nutty filling that was perfectly sweet and indulgent. I couldn't believe how delicious they were, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

As I savored each bite, memories of how I acquired this recipe flooded back to me. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a formidable woman, with a no-nonsense attitude and a fierce love for her family. She was also an incredible cook, with a talent for turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that could rival any restaurant.

One day, while I was helping her bake a batch of cookies, she pulled out a worn and tattered notebook from her apron pocket and showed me a recipe for butter pecan squares. She explained that it was a family recipe passed down from her own mother, and that she had been making it for as long as she could remember. She also told me that the key to a good butter pecan square was using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop.

I watched in awe as she whipped up the batter, her hands moving with practiced ease as she measured and mixed the ingredients. When the squares came out of the oven, she cut them into perfect little squares and placed them on a platter for us to enjoy. I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The rich, buttery flavor of the crust paired with the crunchy pecans was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced.

From that day on, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make her famous butter pecan squares. She agreed, and over the years, I honed my skills until I could replicate her recipe with near-perfect precision. I made them for every family gathering, every holiday, and every special occasion, each time receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones.

Now, as I sit here enjoying a freshly baked batch of butter pecan squares, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that this recipe represents. It is a link to the past, a connection to my grandmother and the generations of strong, talented women who came before me. And as I take another bite, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of my own family's culinary legacy for years to come.