Chocolate Pecan Squares

Indulge your sweet tooth with the divine combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in our delectable Chocolate Pecan Squares. This dessert is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, featuring a buttery crust, a velvety chocolate layer, and a generous topping of toasted pecans. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a casual gathering, these squares are sure to steal the spotlight. Join us on a journey as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Let’s dive into the realm of irresistibly decadent Chocolate Pecan Squares.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • A pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Pecan Topping:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

Creating the Crust:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press Into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow it to cool.

Crafting the Chocolate Layer:

  1. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
  2. Spread Over Crust: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Place it in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the pecan topping.

Perfecting the Pecan Topping:

  1. Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Add Toasted Pecans: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring they are well-coated in the caramel sauce.
  4. Layer Over Chocolate: Spread the pecan-caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.

Serving and Enjoying:

  1. Slice into Squares: Once set, use a sharp knife to slice the dessert into squares. For clean cuts, you can dip the knife in hot water between slices.
  2. Serve and Savor: Plate your Chocolate Pecan Squares and relish every bite of the buttery crust, velvety chocolate, and caramelized pecan goodness.

Cook Notes

  • Chilling Time: Ensure that each layer has adequate time to set in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
  • Consistent Crust Thickness: Press the crust evenly into the pan to ensure consistent thickness, resulting in a balanced dessert.
  • Toasting Pecans: Keep a close eye on the pecans while toasting to prevent them from burning. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Variations

1. Espresso Infusion:

Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate ganache for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the richness.

2. Bourbon Bliss:

Infuse the caramel pecan topping with a tablespoon of bourbon for a sophisticated twist. Allow the alcohol to cook off during the caramelization process.

3. Sea Salt Sensation:

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel pecan layer for a delightful contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Keto Versions

For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:

  • Almond Flour Crust: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly crust.
  • Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol or stevia in both the crust and chocolate ganache to reduce the carb content.
  • Low-Carb Chocolate Chips: Opt for sugar-free or dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for the chocolate ganache.

Low-Carb Version

To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:

  • Almond and Coconut Flour Blend: Combine almond and coconut flour for a low-carb crust with a delightful nutty flavor.
  • Monk Fruit Sweetener: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or another low-carb alternative in both the crust and caramel pecan topping.
  • Adjust Pecan Quantity: Moderately reduce the quantity of pecans to lower the overall carb content.

Chocolate Pecan Squares are more than a dessert; they’re a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Whether you choose the classic recipe, experiment with enticing variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb lifestyles, these squares invite you to savor the perfect balance of chocolate and pecan in every luscious bite. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to create these decadent delights. Here’s to the joy of baking, savoring, and delighting in the irresistible charm of Chocolate Pecan Squares!