Buckeye Recipe

Better Pecan Bars

Better Pecan Bars

Ingredients

Makes 12 bars

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup vegan margarine, softened
• 1 cup pecan pieces
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup vegan semisweet chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside
3. In a food processor, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1/2 cup of the margarine
4. Process to mix well
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into the bottom
6. Bake for 12minutes
7. Remove from the oven and set aside
8. In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup margarine
9. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils
10. Add the pecans and maple syrup and boil for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly
11. Pour the mixture evenly over the crust
12. Bake until the caramel layer is bubbly and the crust is lightly browned, about 7 minutes
13. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips
14. Allow chips to melt slightly then drag a fork through them to swirl into the top
15. Cool slightly, then refrigerate to set the topping before cutting into bars
16. Store in an airtight container