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Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars

This recipe is so versatile you can use any type of chocolate, nut or dried fruit. Don’t expect leftovers!

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 24 bars

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 tablespoons salted butter (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) at room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
2 large Eggland’s Best eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips)
1 cup chopped pecans for inside the bar
1 cup chopped pecans for topping (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9- by 13-inch pan.

    Step 2

    In a large bowl or mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and water, and mix.

    Step 3

    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and soda. Add flour mixture to butter and egg mixture. Mix just enough to make sure ingredients are well combined, being sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.

    Step 4

    Stir in chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans.

    Step 5

    Spread dough evenly in greased baking pan, smoothing the surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle additional 1 cup pecans on top and gently press into dough enough so that they do not move when the pan moves.

    Step 6

    Bake for 25-30 minutes in the center of the oven. Check bars after 25 minutes. If a toothpick comes out of the dough clean, the bars are done. If not, return bars to oven for another 5 minutes. When the bars are done, the edges will be very lightly browned. Cool on a rack. Cut with a sharp knife when cool six lengthwise and four across to get 24 bars. Store in an airtight container.

  2. Tips

    Step 7

    Replace vanilla with natural maple flavor.

  3. Step 8

    Use 3/4 cup dried coconut instead of 1 cup pecans in the bar and sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut on the top before baking.

  4. Nutritional Information

    Step 9

    Serving size: 1 bar

    Step 10

    Calories: 237

    Step 11

    Fat: 13g (48.3% calories from fat)

    Step 12

    Cholesterol: 33mg

    Step 13

    Sodium: 77mg

    Step 14

    Total Carbohydrate: 29g

    Step 15

    Dietary Fiber: 1g

    Step 16

    Protein: 2g

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