Pecan Butter Tart Squares Recipe

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Pecan Butter Tart Squares: A Heavenly Blend of Flavors and Textures

Embrace the delightful fusion of classic butter tarts and the robust texture of pecans with these Pecan Butter Tart Squares. This recipe promises a dessert that pleases both the eye and the palate, combining a golden, flaky shortbread crust with a rich, caramelized filling that’s generously studded with pecans. The result is a decadent square that celebrates the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the sweetness of brown sugar to the savory depth of melted butter, all rounded off with a hint of vanilla and a dash of vinegar to cut through the sweetness.

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed

For the Filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 tbsp. white vinegar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1 tbsp. icing sugar, for topping

Instructions:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (includes cooling)
Servings: 24 squares

Shortbread Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix flour and granulated sugar.
  2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan.
  4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove and let cool on a rack.

Filling:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Stir in melted butter, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Fold in the chopped pecans and pour over the pre-baked crust.
  4. Tent the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  5. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is set but the center is slightly jiggly.
  6. Cool in the pan on a rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

To Serve:

  • Lift squares from the pan using a metal spatula or knife. Dust with icing sugar for a finishing touch.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to a week. Allow coming to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months. Place squares between waxed paper layers in a plastic container.

Final Thoughts:

Pecan Butter Tart Squares are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that blend to create a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these squares offer the perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and comfort. Dive into the world of homemade baking love and let these pecan butter tart squares be the highlight of your dessert table, capturing the hearts of all who taste them.

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