Pecans are rich, earthy nuts that pair well with all kinds of fruit—but like most things, they taste best drowned in a sugary syrup and baked on a crust. Pecan pies are great, but things in mini-form are cuter and easier to share. Plus, at our age we’re mostly celebrating Friendsgivings and less formal family dinners, and presliced goodies are easier to pack into doggy bags for your friends. These bars are super easy to whip up and are as equally delicious as their round cousin, but better because there’s more crust—and that’s my favorite part. —AS
MAKES 12 BARS
CRUST
1 cup (230 g) vegan butter
½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
2½ cups (325 g) whole wheat flour
½ tsp salt
TOPPING
½ cup (115 g) vegan butter
1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut cream (see Note)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (220 g) chopped pecans
Whipped coconut cream, to serve
Sprinkle of ground cinnamon, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
FOR THE CRUST
Cream together the butter and brown sugar in a stand mixer or with hand beaters. Add the flour and salt, and mix until crumbly. Press it into a parchment-lined 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-cm) pan. Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until golden.
While the crust bakes, prep the pecan topping by whisking together the butter, brown sugar, coconut cream and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat until everything melts and combines, about 5 minutes. Once the mixture comes completely together, add the chopped pecans and mix them in. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the crust is finished cooking.
When the crust finishes, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan mixture on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Remove it from the oven, let it cool completely and then slice it up into 12 (or more) equal squares.
Note: Coconut cream is the thick white cream layer from the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk. We also like using Trader Joe’s brand coconut cream.
Leftover bars can be saved in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week.