Got to Be NC
Recipe by: Lisa Prince

“Hidden Treasures” Pecan Bars

Carol Brown from Mebane won First Place in the NC Pecan Growers Association contest at the 2016 NC State Fair and it has risen to the top as a Local Dish favorite. Each layer is delicious surprise!

Servings: 12
Cook Time: Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hour and 5 minutes
Meal Type: Dessert
NC Ingredients: Pecans, Eggs

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Ingredients

Shortbread Layer:
1
½ cups flour
1/2
cup brown sugar
1/2
cup butter, melted
1/2
cup pecans chopped
Cheesecake Layer:
8
oz. cream cheese
1/3
cup butter, softened
1/2
cup sugar
2
Tbsp. flour
1
egg
2
tsp. vanilla extract
Pecan Layer:
3/4
cup brown sugar
1/2
cup corn syrup
1/3
cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
3
large eggs
1/4
tsp. salt
1
tsp. brandy
1
½ cups toasted pecans, chopped
1/2
cup dark chocolate chips
1/4
white chocolate chips

Directions

Shortbread Layer:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar together. Then add the butter and pecans. Spread onto prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly or about 10 minutes.

Cheesecake Layer:

Cream together cream cheese, butter, sugar and flour until well combined. Beat in egg and then vanilla. Pour on cooled shortbread layer and bake for 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.

Pecan Layer:

In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Add eggs and beat until well incorporated. Add pecans, dark and white chocolate chips, brandy and salt. Pour over cooled Cheesecake layer and bake for 35-40 minutes until center is set and pecan layer is a rich brown color. Optional: drizzle with ¼ cup melted white chocolate chips.

 
As seen on wral.com's Local Dish Play WRAL video

Recipes found on this page are from Got to Be NC members, staff, industry partners and Stove Side Chats. Stove Side Chats is Got to Be NC’s cooking show hosted by restaurant marketing specialist Chad Blackwelder. This series invites chefs and home cooks from around the state to teach you how to cook with in-season North Carolina deliciousness.