Super Easy Pecan Squares

Pumpkin pie is a staple for most people on Thanksgiving, but in this house, pecan pie is what we love. We’ve always made pecan pie, but it is one of those desserts that’s really sweet and filling. So, over the past few years I have been doing pecan squares instead. So easy, and so much better because instead of having a big piece of pie, you get to have a small square that’s really just the right portion. Then of course there’s room for apple pie and lemon merigue tart, which I always make also.
                                            




So here it is:

Pecan Pie Squares

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Heat your oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 13x9 baking dish
Beat the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, butter and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Next, mix the corn syrup, 1 1/2 cups sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in the pecans. Pour this mixture over the hot crust and spread evenly.
Bake 35 minutes or until filling is firm around the edges and slightly soft in center. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
At this point, I cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the whole thing just sit over night. I find that this is the best way to make sure the squares don’t get too gooey when  you’re trying to cut them. For this reason I would definitely make this a day or two ahead of when you want to serve them. This is so helpful to be able to do this ahead of time when there are so many other things to get ready for the big Turkey day.

Enjoy!!!

Gina