Carolina Pecan Bars – A Buttery Southern Classic You’ll Bake Again and Again

Few desserts capture the warmth and hospitality of the American South quite like
Carolina Pecan Bars. Rich, buttery, and generously packed with toasted pecans,
these bars deliver everything you love about classic Southern baking in one irresistible bite.
With a tender cake-like base and nutty crunch throughout, they strike the perfect balance
between comfort food and elegant dessert.

Inspired by traditional Carolina kitchens where pecans are treasured ingredients,
this recipe brings together simple pantry staples and transforms them into something truly special.
Whether served at family gatherings, church socials, holidays, or casual coffee breaks,
Carolina Pecan Bars are the kind of dessert that disappears fast—and always earns requests for the recipe.

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This recipe checks every box: approachable, nostalgic, rich in flavor, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love These Carolina Pecan Bars

These bars aren’t just delicious—they’re dependable. They bake evenly, slice beautifully,
and stay moist for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking.

Classic Southern flavor: Butter, pecans, vanilla, and maple in perfect harmony.
Soft yet sturdy texture: Cake-like crumb with nutty crunch.
Perfect for crowds: Easy to bake in a large pan and serve.
Versatile dessert: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, and everyday treats.
Beginner-friendly: Simple steps with reliable results.

Ingredients & Their Roles

Understanding the role of each ingredient ensures perfect texture, flavor, and consistency.
These simple components work together to create a truly unforgettable dessert.

For the Bars

3 cups all-purpose flour:
Forms the structure of the bars, giving them a tender yet sturdy crumb that holds together beautifully.
2 teaspoons baking powder:
Provides gentle lift, ensuring the bars are light and soft rather than dense.
1 teaspoon salt:
Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened:
The backbone of richness and moisture. Butter creates that classic Southern bakery flavor.
2 cups white sugar:
Sweetens the bars while contributing to their tender crumb.
4 large eggs:
Add structure, richness, and a smooth, cohesive batter.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract:
Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the buttery flavor.
1 teaspoon maple extract:
Adds subtle Southern sweetness that pairs beautifully with pecans.
1 cup whole milk:
Creates a smooth, pourable batter and ensures moist, tender bars.
1½ cups chopped pecans, toasted:
The star ingredient. Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds irresistible crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a large rectangular baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder,
and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar
until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a tender texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and maple extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with the milk.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This ensures clean edges and perfect texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Carolina Pecan Bars

Toast the pecans for deeper, richer flavor.
Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
Do not overmix to keep the bars tender.
Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and slicing.

Creative Variations

Brown sugar swap: Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
Chocolate twist: Add chocolate chips for a modern variation.
Bourbon flavor: Add a splash of bourbon for a true Southern touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carolina Pecan Bars on their own or elevate them with:

A dusting of powdered sugar
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Hot coffee or sweet tea

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
or refrigerate for up to one week. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Carolina Pecan Bars are the definition of timeless Southern baking.
With their buttery crumb, toasted pecans, and comforting sweetness, they bring warmth
and tradition to every table.

Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, this recipe proves that the best desserts don’t need
to be complicated. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something homemade,
these bars deliver guaranteed satisfaction—one delicious square at a time.