Cinnamon-Pecan Bars

Cinnamon-Pecan Bars

(makes one 9x13 in. pan)

This is a yummy, super-easy variant on a pecan pie.  I love that it takes such little time to whip up, yet tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.  I usually half this recipe and make it in my 8x8 inch pan.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 2/3 cups flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 12-oz jar of caramel ice cream topping

2 cups chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy.  Add eggs (one at a time) and vanilla, beating well after each addition.  
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined.
5. Transfer dough to prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Spread caramel topping over dough and top with pecans.
7. Bake 30-35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Using parchment paper, remove from pan and cut into bars.

Enjoy!