Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars

Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars Recipe - Delicious American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

History

The combination of chocolate and pecans has been a classic pairing in desserts for many years. This recipe takes that classic combination to the next level with a fudgey texture that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.67 cup sugar
0.5 cup HERSHEY'S cocoa
0.5 tsp salt
0.75 cup (1-0.5 sticks) cold butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1.5 tsp maple flavoring
2 cup pecan halves or pieces

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Stir in 1 beaten egg.
Press the mixture evenly on the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk, remaining 1 egg, and flavoring. Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the mixture over the prepared crust, distributing the pecan halves evenly.
Return to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into bars.
Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.

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. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.

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

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making these Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars is to bake them in two stages - first the crust, then the fudgy pecan topping. This ensures that the bars have a perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have maple flavoring, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute. You can also use different types of nuts in place of pecans if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve these Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

These bars are a good source of iron and calcium, thanks to the pecans and cocoa used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer essential vitamins and minerals, making them a satisfying and indulgent dessert option.

Summary

Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars are a delightful and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With a rich and fudgy texture, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them as a special treat or as a delicious addition to any dessert spread.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling city market where vendors lined the streets with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. As I meandered through the crowds, the aroma of freshly baked treats wafted through the air, luring me towards a quaint little bakery tucked away in a corner.

The display window was filled with an array of delectable desserts, each more tempting than the last. My eyes immediately landed on a tray of rich, fudgy chocolate pecan bars that glistened under the warm glow of the overhead lights. I couldn't resist the urge to try one, so I entered the bakery and approached the counter.

The baker, a kindly old woman with a twinkle in her eye, greeted me with a warm smile. "Would you like to try a sample of our famous Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief.

I eagerly accepted the offer and took a bite of the bar she handed me. The moment the velvety chocolate melted on my tongue, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The rich, nutty flavor of the pecans perfectly complemented the decadent sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't help but ask the baker for the recipe, hoping to recreate the magic of the Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars in my own kitchen. To my surprise, she chuckled and replied, "Oh, my dear, this recipe is a closely guarded secret that has been passed down through generations in my family. But I can see the twinkle in your eye, just like mine when I first tried these bars. How about I teach you how to make them instead?"

I was overjoyed at her offer and eagerly accepted. The baker led me to the back of the bakery, where she had set up a small workstation with all the necessary ingredients laid out neatly in front of me. As she guided me through each step of the recipe, sharing tips and tricks that she had learned over the years, I felt a sense of kinship with her and a deep appreciation for the art of baking.

The process was surprisingly simple, yet the results were nothing short of spectacular. As the bars baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the bakery, drawing in customers from the street with its irresistible scent. When the bars were finally ready, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the gooey, chocolaty goodness that awaited me.

The first bite was a revelation. The smooth, creamy texture of the chocolate melted in my mouth, while the crunchy pecans added a delightful crunch that kept me coming back for more. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that sent me into a state of pure bliss, reminding me of the joy that good food can bring.

As I bid farewell to the baker and left the bakery with a tray of freshly baked Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars in hand, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured staple in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have shared it with friends and family, each time passing on the tradition and love that went into creating these delectable treats.

And so, every time I bake a batch of Fudgey Chocolate Pecan Bars, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in the city market, where a chance encounter with a kind baker led me to discover a recipe that would bring joy and delight to all who tasted it. As I continue to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, I am grateful for the lessons learned from that fateful day and the enduring legacy of good food that has been passed down through the generations.