Delight Your Taste Buds with Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans – A Sweet, Southern Treat!
Indulge in the irresistible Southern charm of Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars. These bars are a perfect marriage of buttery cake and crunchy pecans, resulting in a harmonious texture and nutty flavor that melts in your mouth. Baked to golden perfection, these bars are generously topped with toasted pecans for an extra layer of nuttiness that adds crunch and character to each bite. Enjoy them as a standalone treat or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. Satisfy your sweet cravings with Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans today!
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Believe it or not, the origins of pecans date back to the 16th century, when the French brought them to North America from their colonies in the Caribbean. Native Americans quickly adopted the nut as a staple food, and it soon became a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine. In fact, pecan pie is often considered the quintessential Southern dessert.
As for cake bars, they are a convenient and portable alternative to traditional cake. They are also easier to cut and serve, making them a great option for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a treat with others.
Whether you’re a fan of pecan pie, cake, or both, these butter pecan cake bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their rich, buttery flavor and crunchy pecan bits, they are perfect for any time of day, from breakfast to dessert. Plus, the creamy frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence that is simply irresistible.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Who knows, it might just become your new favorite dessert!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough and dense texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Bake Test is Important
Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to do the toothpick test to ensure that the bars are baked through. Pierce the center of the cake with a toothpick and remove it to see if the toothpick comes out clean.
Buttermilk Substitute
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute. Mix 1 cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to substitute for 1 cup of buttermilk. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to sour before using.
Let The Bars Cool Before Adding Frosting
It’s important to let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt away, making a mess and uneven distribution of frosting.
Try Toasting the Pecans
To add an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes at 350°F, stirring frequently so that they brown evenly. Then, add them to the batter as instructed.
Store The Bars Properly
You can store these cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to two months. The best way to freeze them is to wrap the individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bags.
How Many Calories are in Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans.?
Nutrition Facts
12 Servings per Recipe
-
Calories: 395
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 79mg
- Sodium: 101mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 36g
- Added Sugars: 32g
- Protein: 4g
What Drinks Pair Best with Butter Pecan Bars with Pecans?
Wine pairing: A great pairing for these Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans is a crisp and refreshing Riesling. The acidity in the wine will cut through the sweetness of the cake while complementing the nutty flavor of the pecans. Try a German Riesling for the perfect match.
Beer pairing: A brown ale or a nut brown ale would be a great beer pairing for these Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans. The notes of caramel and nuttiness in the beer will complement the flavors and ingredients in the cake bars.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans would be a classic Old-Fashioned made with pecan bitters. The nutty notes of pecan in the cocktail will complement the pecans in the cake bars.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cake Bars with Pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Cup Buttermilk
- 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
- 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat with the mixer until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and beat until fully combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter and heavy cream over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Remove the pan from the heat, mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract and stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the frosting over the baked cake bars while they are still warm.
- Allow the bars to cool and the frosting to set, then slice and serve.
