Chocolate Pecan Bars

Chocolate Pecan Bars Recipe - Rich and Creamy Flavors Topped with Warm Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chocolate Pecan Bars are a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are great for sharing with friends and family.

History

The exact origins of Chocolate Pecan Bars are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the southern United States where pecans are a popular ingredient in many traditional desserts. The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that has made these bars a favorite among dessert lovers.

Ingredients

1.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar
0.5 cup Hershey's cocoa
1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter or margarine
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 cups chopped pecans

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) (or 325°F for a glass dish).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa.
Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
Stir in the pecans.
Spread the mixture evenly over the hot baked crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into bars.
Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Mix in some chopped dark chocolate for an extra rich and indulgent treat.
Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the baking pan to ensure a solid base for the bars.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry and crumbly.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean and even slices.

- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Pecan Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly mix and press the crust mixture to create a solid base for the bars.

- Beat the condensed milk, egg, and vanilla until well blended to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and even slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

- Coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Pecan Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cut into bars, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chocolate Pecan Bars on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Pecan Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic and comforting dessert experience. They also pair well with a glass of red wine for a more sophisticated treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Pecan Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Pecan Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Pecan Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Pecan Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Pecan Bars contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Pecan Bars are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Chocolate Pecan Bars contain nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter, condensed milk), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chocolate Pecan Bars are a delicious dessert option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chocolate Pecan Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans in a convenient bar form. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Chocolate Pecan Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on tea, Margaret pulled out a weathered old recipe book from her cupboard. She flipped through the pages with a smile on her face, her eyes shining with nostalgia.

"Ah, here it is," Margaret exclaimed, pointing to a yellowed page in the book. "My grandmother's famous Chocolate Pecan Bars recipe. You have to try them, they are simply divine."

I leaned in closer to take a look at the recipe. The ingredients were simple - butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, cocoa powder, and of course, plenty of pecans. The directions seemed straightforward, but I could tell from Margaret's expression that there was something special about these bars.

Margaret began to recount the story of how she learned to make the bars. She explained that her grandmother had passed down the recipe to her mother, who then taught it to her. Margaret had made the bars countless times over the years, perfecting the recipe and adding her own special touch to it.

As Margaret shared her memories and tips for making the bars, I could feel my excitement growing. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making them myself. Margaret offered to walk me through the recipe step by step, and I eagerly accepted her offer.

We spent the afternoon baking together, the warm aroma of chocolate and pecans filling the kitchen. Margaret guided me through each step, showing me how to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, how to beat in the eggs one at a time, and how to fold in the flour and cocoa powder gently to create a rich, fudgy batter.

As the bars baked in the oven, Margaret and I sat at the kitchen table, chatting and reminiscing about old times. I felt a sense of connection to her and her family through this recipe, as if I was being welcomed into a long line of bakers who had mastered the art of making Chocolate Pecan Bars.

Finally, the timer dinged, and we eagerly pulled the bars out of the oven. They were a beautiful golden brown, with a crackly top and a gooey center. Margaret cut them into squares and handed me a piece to try.

I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of rich, chocolatey goodness. The combination of the buttery crust, the fudgy filling, and the crunchy pecans was absolutely heavenly. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands.

Margaret smiled at me and said, "You see, dear, some recipes are more than just ingredients and instructions. They carry with them a piece of history, a connection to the past. That's what makes them truly special."

I nodded in agreement, savoring every bite of the Chocolate Pecan Bar. I knew that this recipe would become a treasured favorite in my own kitchen, a reminder of the day I learned to make it from my dear friend Margaret.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a stomach full of delicious treats, I left Margaret's house that day with a newfound love for baking and a newfound appreciation for the power of a good recipe. The Chocolate Pecan Bars would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of sharing food, stories, and memories with loved ones.