Beginner-Friendly Pecan Bars

Ingredients: For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces  
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk  
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Instructions: Make the crust:

1. Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the filling:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Stir in chopped pecans.

Assemble and bake:

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12×15-inch rectangle.
2. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Spread the pecan filling evenly over the dough.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

Make the glaze:

1. While the bars are baking, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.

Assemble and serve:

1. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled bars.
3. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips:

• For a more intense pecan flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling.
• If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with more brown sugar.
• For a crispier crust, bake the bars for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.