🍬 Praline Pecan Bars (New Orleans Inspired)

These Praline Pecan Bars are rich, buttery, and loaded with sweet caramelized pecans in every bite. Inspired by classic New Orleans pralines, this easy dessert combines a tender shortbread crust with a gooey brown sugar pecan topping that tastes like pure Mardi Gras magic.

Perfect for parties, holiday cookie trays, or anytime you want a decadent Southern-style treat!

💛 Why You’ll Love These Praline Pecan Bars

• Inspired by classic Louisiana pralines
• Buttery shortbread crust + gooey pecan topping
• Sweet, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious
• Easy to slice and serve for parties
• Perfect make-ahead dessert

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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For the Praline Pecan Topping

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup honey or corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Measuring cups / spoons
• 9×13 baking pan
• Large bowl
• Pastry cutter
• Sauce pan
• Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

👩‍🍳 How to Make Praline Pecan Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, mix together:

• flour
• powdered sugar
• salt

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until crumbly.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.

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Step 3: Make the Praline Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Stir in brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and bubbling.

Remove from heat and stir in:

• vanilla
• chopped pecans
• salt

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Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the warm crust.

Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and set.

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Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let bars cool completely before slicing.

For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for 1 hour first.

Cut into squares or small party-size bites.

✨ Tips for the Best Bars

• Toast pecans first for extra flavor
• Don’t rush cooling — the topping needs time to set
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty twist
• Cut into small pieces (they’re rich!)

🥡 Storage and Freezing

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week
• Freeze bars for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before serving)

Enjoy!

If you try these Praline Pecan Bars, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, share this recipe with friends, and don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board so you can make it again for your next festive celebration. Happy baking! 🎭💜💚💛

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