Discover a delightful treat that perfectly blends buttery shortbread with rich toffee and crunchy pecans: Toffee Pecan Shortbread Bars. This recipe combines the crispy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the sweet crunch of Heath toffee bits and a glossy chocolate drizzle. Ideal for dessert lovers and party-goers alike, these bars are a scrumptious indulgence that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or a sweet gift, these bars are sure to impress!
These Toffee Pecan Shortbread Bars have become a cherished favorite in our home, especially during the holiday season. My husband, a true connoisseur of sweets, was the first to fall in love with these bars. Every time I bake them, the aroma fills the house and instantly brings a smile to his face. Our little one loves the combination of toffee and chocolate, often sneaking an extra piece when I’m not looking! What started as a simple recipe experiment quickly turned into a family tradition. These bars have become our go-to treat for special occasions, family gatherings, and even as a sweet surprise for neighbors.
Why This Toffee Pecan Shortbread Bars
- Irresistible Combination: The buttery shortbread crust pairs perfectly with the crunchy toffee bits and toasted pecans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Decadent Topping: A drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate adds a rich and indulgent finish to these bars, making them even more delectable.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are easy to prepare, even for baking novices.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet gift, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: 240 grams (2 cups)
- Granulated Sugar: 100 grams (½ cup)
- Salted Butter: 225 grams (1 cup), melted
- Heath Bits o’ Brickle Toffee: 225 grams (8 ounces)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 396 grams (14 ounces or 1 can)
- Vanilla Extract: 5 ml (1 teaspoon)
- Chopped Pecans: 120 grams (1 cup)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Melting Wafers: 60 grams (¼ cup)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Make the Topping: In the same bowl, mix together the toffee bits, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Pour this mixture over the partially baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling.
- Add the Chocolate Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips or wafers in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the baked bars.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
Notes:
- Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different twist.
- Cooking Tips: Ensure the chocolate drizzle is completely set before cutting the bars to avoid messy slices.
- Nutritional Information: These bars are a rich treat, so consider portion sizes if you’re monitoring your calorie intake. Each bar is a decadent indulgence packed with flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Toffee Pecan Shortbread Bars!