Chewy Pecan Bars (or Pecan Blondies) are my favorite bars. I make great Brownies, or so I'm told, but I'm not a chocolate fan myself. And these have half the sugar of brownies, just 2 teaspoons per 2-inch square! With this quantity of nuts and no sugary add-ins, they're practically health food!
Of course, you can add in whatever you like; I don't judge. And you can bake these in a 13x9x2-inch pan, even though I use a 13x9x1-inch quarter sheet pan. I have multiples of this pan because it is such a kitchen workhorse. If you haven't tried one, go ahead and order two. You're going to want more.
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Couldn't resist doing a quick watercolor sketch of a little
squirrel heading out to gather nuts.
My friend Julia named her Miss Emily Squirrel.
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These bars are quick and easy to make, fairly healthy, and very "packable," perfect for the lunchbox or tucked into your purse for a snack. What's your favorite portable snack?
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Chewy Pecan Bars - Pecan Blondies
(Makes 24 2-inch squares)
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces/170 grams) coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats1 1/2 dip-and-sweep cups (7.5 ounces/213 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons non-GMO baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (3/4 teaspoon, if you like that salty kick)
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces/170 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 firmly packed cup (7 ounces/198 grams) dark brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 In dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans and oats until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2 Preheat oven to 350F/180C/Gas4. Grease, or line with baking parchment paper, a 13x9x1-inch quarter sheet pan. I like to line it with parchment with a bit of an overhang so I can lift it out of the pan for cutting. In small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt to "sift."
3 In 2- to 3-quart saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Then stir in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
4 Stir in flour mixture, nuts and oats. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake about 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and pulling away from the sides of the pan. As with brownies, you want to avoid overbaking. Cool completely and cut into 24 bars. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Jean
Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites. We are a ThermoWorks affiliate, earning a small commission at no cost to you on purchases made through our links. This helps cover some of the costs of running the blog. Thank you for your support.
Jean
67 comments:
I’m still celebrating your gentle correction in my latest Sullygram newsletter, but that has nothing to do with this spontaneous, mouth-watering reflex nudging me toward “5 cleavers” as I read about (and see) your chewy, chewy, chewy pecan blondies. Nope. I can’t be bribed. But…but blondies – 1 cleaver, 2 cleavers – oh, yes, delish! And Miss Emily Squirrel takes me back to a pleasant childhood time of – 3 cleavers, 4 cleavers – books and treats. Pecans, chewy, brown sugar. Yes, yes, yes. 5 cleavers!
I have never made Blondies because I don't care that much for pecans but yours look wonderful! I can no longer eat nuts and I love them; especially macadamia and Brazil nuts. Cashews are also a favourite. I wonder what I might substitute for nuts in those goodies? Any suggestions?
Oooh yum, it sounds so yummy and healthy! I used to love pecans (I still do, but my body developed intolerance to nuts. Bummer) And I love the smell of toasted pecans :-) Your sketch of squirrel is adorable!
Sully, always thrilled to get the coveted 5 Cleavers, for whatever reason or combination of reasons!
Sandi, if you are not also allergic to peanuts (not really a nut), they would be very good. But you can actually not put anything in the dough/batter at all, and they're perfectly lovely. Other possibilities: coconut, dried fruit, chocolate chips. Let me know!
Tamago, thank you. I have fun with my little characters! As I told Sandi, you can leave the nuts out and have a perfectly lovely bar.
Gotta bookmark this one for me and then for my sugar conscious friends. :)
Love the sketch!!
I have never baked any blondie...these sound and look so tasty with pecans.
Squirrel Nutkins girlfriend!!! "Chewy Pecan Bars" For one moment I thought you had gone commercial. I was looking for a brand wrapper. Perish the thought. How could I ,"mea culpa." It looks delicious Jean. Reminds me of Flapjacks, but they obviously are not Flapjacks. No nuts in Falpjacks, just oats, golden syrup, brown sugar and butter. But I wouldn't, of course, refuse the offer of a, " Chewy Pecan bar."
Ellen, thank you! And I'm so glad you and some of your friends are sugar conscious. For many years now, I have strictly limited my sugar to never more than 6 teaspoons in a day, and I think it's benefited me in many ways.
Thanks, Angie. I hope you'll give them a try. I can imagine them with some of your favorite seeds added in as well.
Thanks, Tony. Love a good flapjack, when it's not too sweet. And these sort of bars usually have two or even three times the sugar that I put in them. Nope, not going commercial! My little squirrel is proud to have reminded someone of Squirrel Nutkin!
You must ignore me sometimes Jean. Ha! Ha! But definitely a touch of Beatrix Potter. The thing about Beatrix Potter is that she was a genius illustrator and her stories although they seem simple have deep social interactions that are learning situations for children. Lots of people think what she drew and wrote was simple but it was complex and very human. You have a touch of that in your illustrations and writing. Ever thought of writing and illustrating children’s books Jean? You should have a go.
Tony, I am honoured to be named in the same sentence as Beatrix Potter! I haven't looked at the books in decades, though the set is on a table in my family room. As you say, what she drew and wrote was far more complex than most people imagine. I would love to do a children's book if the opportunity dropped into my lap. I'm not inclined to involve myself in the "business" of publishing. Thanks for the encouragement!
I enjoy these more than chocolate brownies - will save your recipe!
Thanks, Quinn. So much better than chocolate!
The squirrel is adorable and I do love how you come up with such tasty looking treats which are still low in sugar.
As for your earlier comment about the "business" of publishing, yes, you're right to be wary!
I love desserts that have as little sugar as possible. Your pecan blondies look great and I hope to make them soon.
Pauline, thank you. Perhaps I just lack ambition?! :D
Thank you, Gerlinde! I hope you like them as much as we do. I really try to cut back on sugar in everything.
These look so great!! Thanks!
Thanks, Darlene.
Those treats look awesome . I love blondies with nuts . Thanks so much for sharing . Hugs and blessings , Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. There's one left, and I'm going to be polite and let Mr Delightful have it!
YUM!! These sound really tasty! And oh my goodness, I love the watercolor sketch! You are so talented!! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 4. Shared.
Mmmmm, this look tasty! I'm a super brownie lover myself but I'm with you in that they really do have tons of sugar! Anyway, company is coming this weekend so these may be on order! Have a great weekend! :-)
Dee, thank you so much! Glad you like the watercolor! And shares are much appreciated.
Thanks, Richard. I'm hoping to have time to paint tomorrow afternoon!
Your bars look like the perfect snack, Jean. I’ll take one with a cup of tea, please. Your Miss Emily watercolor sketch is just darling! Happy baking AND painting.
Kitty, thank you so much on both counts! Right now it's too hot to bake, so maybe I'll paint!
These look delicious!!!! visiting from Spread the Kindness link up. I invite you to share at our Best of the Weekend Link up on Fridays.
Liberty @ B4andAfters.com
Thanks, Liberty! I'll check it out.
Gotta love healthy desserts!
Miss Emily Squirrel is adorable, Jean! Your Chewy Pecan Bars could definitely be one of my favourite portable snacks. I like that you've made them as healthy as possible, but still a treat! Thank you for bringing them to the Hearth and Soul Link Party this week. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thanks, Margie!
April, thank you--on both counts! I do like to carry healthy snacks with me when I'm out and about all day and not sure about meals.
These look delicious, Jean. I'm like you. Not a particular chocolate fan, save for a couple of things. I'd much prefer a blondie (or my favorite, lemon). So this one looks to be a keeper for me.
Of course it is! Miss Emily appears to endorse it and she's so darned cute, how could one resist?
Thanks, Jeanie. I think lemon is my favorite as well! But when you're out of lemons, this will do! Miss Emily found lots of pecans, so I'll be making these again this week.
The shortbread receipe was very good, so now I will have to try these bars.
The drawing is very cute
This looks wonderful! I often make brownies, but always want to find recipes that include oats. This looks like something we would enjoy. Thank you!
Your bars look so good, I will have to try them, your short bread was very good.
I will try your bars, your shortbread was so good
Cute drawing.
Ann, thank you. So glad you liked the shortbread (and drawing!). Hope the bars turn out well for you.
Mrs White, thank you. I hope you like them. I love the oats and nuts!
Tea Lady, so glad you liked the shortbread. Let me know how the blondies turn out for you. They are so good with a cup of tea!
Thanks for linking up at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 6 Pinned
Thanks, Sylvia.
I made the bars, but did not have any pecans, so used walnuts, also made a glaze, then took some up to my niece's and had them with tea, very good with tea.
Hope you have more receips for me to try.
Thanks, tea lady! Just check out my Recipes index page under the category "Teatime" for more recipes that go well with tea.
Hi, my name is Crystal and I come to you by Way of Esme's Senior Salon. I love the squirrel drawing and love pecans so this recipe looks delicious to me. Followed you via email and G+/Blogger.
Hope you follow me back. I have 2 blogs but mostly at http://crystalsphotobloggingsite.wordpress.com .
The other blog address is http://daisymae2017.wordpress.com . I hope you follow both but will be happy if you follow one. Like your site. My sites are more than just photo sites.
Crystal
Thank you, Crystal. I'll check those out.
I can't wait to try these. We love pecans and like you make great chocolate brownies but I prefer blondies. I needed a recipe for a get together this weekend and I'll be making these for our club meeting. Thanks for a great recipe!
Thanks, Julie! Pecans are the best! And when a bar is loaded with them as these are, I just feel sooooo healthy! :-)
Plenty of nuts and less sugar is a combination I'm definitely pleased to see in a blondie or brownie or bar. These would be very welcome to keep me going on an autumn walk.
Thank you. Great idea, Phil. Mr Delightful carries sugary "protein" bars, but he could just take these!
Congratulations, your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,450! Thanks so much for sharinig your talent with us and have a wonderful week.
Miz Helen
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. These sound delicious, and I can make them gluten free with all purpose gluten free flour. I look forward to reading more of your posts. xo Laura
Great looking recipe! I DO like chocolate so of course I like brownies, but one needs a change every now and again, right? Enter Blondies. Particularly when made with pecans -- my favorite nut for baked good.
Miz Helen, thanks so much! And I hope you're having a wonderful, not too hot week!
Laura, thank you. And, yes, I often make things gluten-free for my GF friends, and you'll find lots of gluten-free recipes under that category on my Recipes index page.
Thanks, John. Pecans are just the best, aren't they? They smell soooo good when they're baking.
Oh my mouth is watering! I have been having an out of control sweet tooth of late. I love blondies and I love pecans so this is the perfect combination! However, with a nut allergic child in the house, I must drool over your photos and find these somewhere outside of my home to eat!
Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks, Shelbee! And that has such an easy solution: Send the link to a nearby friend who likes to bake and then go over to her house when she gets them out of the oven!
I love blondes and haven’t had one in ages! And I adore Mrs. Squirrel!
David, thank you so much--on both counts! (She likes being noticed!)
A bar treat, less sugar and leaning toward healthier? I'm down with that. Yes, please! My first blondie takes me back to The Good Earth restaurants in SoCal; they served a peanut butter version with cream cheese frosting.
Thanks, Brooks. Yes, less sugar and more nuts makes me very happy! I wouldn't have been impressed with The Good Earth blondies--I'm a frosting scraper from way back!
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