Learn Desserts

Are you in a pinch and need something quick and easy to take to a potluck on some other type of get together?  Have I got the recipe for you?  Easy Pecan Squares!  They have the look of brownies and the taste of a pecan pie!  How cool is that?  This recipe has been a lifesaver for me as a lat minute “Oh, what shall I make?” dessert.

You will need:

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup flour, all purpose

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans

Combine butter and brown sugar, beat until will blended.  Add eggs, beating well, combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to sugar mixture.  Mix well.  Stir in vanilla and pecans.  Spoon batter into greased and floured 13by 9 by 2 inch pan.  Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. for 30 minutes or until golden brown and doesn’t move in the middle when slightly moved.  Sprinkle immediately with powdered sugar.  Let cool completely (they will fall in the center somewhat) and cut into 2 inch squares.  Umm, umm good!

Well, I told you they were easy!  I have received so many complements from these yummy little squares.  One time I took this recipe to potluck.  Everybody was asking “Who brought the brownies?”  I didn’t know they were talking about my easy pecan squares so I wasn’t really paying attention until someone directly ask me, as she was holding one in her hand, if I made these.  I said “Oh, those, yes I made them but they aren’t brownies at all, they are Easy Pecan Squares.  Everybody wanted the recipe!  I love to share great recipes with family and friends.  It feels like I am giving a little gift from my kitchen to them and you know what?  I am!

I have a little secret to share with you, if you have the time.  I love vanilla beans!  Well, that’s not really the secret.  I love vanilla beans, but I don’t always have them on hand.  However, I love what the beans do to recipes that simply call for vanilla.  I have found something you may not know about, it is pure vanilla bean paste.  When a recipe calls for vanilla, sometimes, if I am in a real vanilla mood, I pour in a little pure vanilla bean paste.  It has all the flavor and texture of adding a real vanilla bean, even when I don’t have one or I am in a hurry and can’t take the time it takes to cut and scrape a vanilla bean into my recipe.

The paste I recommend is Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste put out by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc.  I usually have to go to a higher end grocery market to find it.  But I think it is worth keeping in my baking pantry.

So, yes, I do add about 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla bean paste to this recipe.  No, it isn’t necessary, but I love it!

A traveling tip:  Since I love to take this recipe to potlucks and other events and I am usually in a hurry when I make it, I decided to get a baking dish, the size recommended above, with a lid.  It’s a great grab and go idea.  Happy baking!