Description
Pecan butter tart squares turn the Canadian classic into easy bar form. Buttery shortbread supports a gooey, nutty topping perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Crust & Sweeteners:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage of the interior surface.
- Combine 1 cup flour, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, using your fingertips to create a crumbly texture.
- Transfer the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact base layer.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 15 minutes until the crust turns light golden around the edges.
- While the crust bakes, whisk 2 large eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a separate mixing bowl until completely smooth.
- Fold 1 cup of chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
- Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and carefully pour the pecan filling over the surface, making sure to spread it uniformly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 25-30 minutes at 350°F, checking that the filling sets and becomes slightly firm but not completely rigid.
- Remove from the oven and allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour before slicing into square portions.
Notes
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the squares.
- Ensure the crust is evenly pressed into the pan for a consistent base that holds together perfectly.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
- Let the tart squares cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain a clean, crisp edge when sliced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Tarts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 to 10
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg