Classic Pecan Pie Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Combine 1 3/4 cups flour, butter and sugar in bowl.
3. 3
   Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4
   Stir in 1/3 cup pecans.
5. 5
   Press crust mixture evenly onto bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan.
6. 6
   Bake 18-22 minutes or until edges are very light golden brown.
7. 7
   Combine all filling ingredients except 1 1/2 cups pecans in bowl; mix well.
8. 8
   Stir in pecans.
9. 9
   Spread evenly over hot, partially baked crust.
10. 10
    Bake 30-35 minutes or until filling is set and knife inserted 1-inch from edge comes out clean.
11. 11
    Cool completely; refrigerate.
12. 12
    Cut into bars.
13. 13
    Variation: Drizzled Pecan Pie Bars: Prepare and bake bars as directed above.
14. 14
    Cool completely.
15. 15
    Combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 4 teaspoons water in bowl; mix well.
16. 16
    Drizzle over top of cooled bars.