Name: Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty: 6 Irresistible Ways to Indulge
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Austrian
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) Raw Pecans, divided use; ⅔ cup (142g) Light Brown Sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest, finely grated; ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 stick (113g) Unsalted Butter, room temperature (plus extra for greasing); 1 Large Egg, room temperature; 1½ cups (180g) All-Purpose Flour; 1 jar (13 oz/370g) Raspberry Jam (or red currant jelly); To taste Flaky Salt; As needed Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)

Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty offer a delightful twist on the classic Austrian Linzer torte. These bars are a perfect alternative to the intricate lattice work of traditional tarts, making them simple yet sophisticated. Rich pecans replace the usual almonds, creating a buttery, tender shortbread crust that’s topped with tart raspberry jam and a crunchy nut crumble. The combination of textures—crisp, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft—makes these bars a must-try for any dessert lover, especially during festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty

Here are some reasons to adore these nutty Linzer bars: They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and feature a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness. They are also incredibly versatile; you can use different jams or jellies to customize the flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these pecan dessert bars can be prepared ahead of time. Plus, they’re suitable for vegetarians, making them a great option for various diets. The texture is simply irresistible, making them a favorite among both adults and kids.

Ingredients for Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty

Gather these items:

1 cup (120g) Raw Pecans, divided use
⅔ cup (142g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Lemon Zest, finely grated
½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Baking Powder
1 stick (113g) Unsalted Butter, room temperature (plus extra for greasing)
1 Large Egg, room temperature
1½ cups (180g) All-Purpose Flour
1 jar (13 oz/370g) Raspberry Jam (or red currant jelly)
To taste Flaky Salt
As needed Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a metal 9-inch square pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang to create a “sling.”
Step 2: In a food processor, pulse ½ cup of pecans, brown sugar, salt, lemon zest, cinnamon, and baking powder until nuts are finely ground. Add butter and pulse until creamy. Add egg and pulse to combine.
Step 3: Add the flour and pulse just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for about 20 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Cool in pan for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Finely chop the remaining ½ cup of pecans. Mix them into the remaining one-third of the cookie dough.
Step 6: Spread the jam evenly over the cooled crust. Crumble the remaining dough/nut mixture over the jam. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
Step 7: Bake for another 30 minutes until topping is browned and jam is bubbling. Rotate pan halfway through.
Step 8: Cool completely in the pan for at least 1½ hours. Lift out using the parchment sling. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and slice into 18 bars.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty

Keep these in mind:

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Use any jam or jelly of your choice for varied flavors.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
When making a vegan version, consider using a flax egg instead of a large egg.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty

These bars are best served with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar on top. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. For a festive touch, serve alongside a selection of nutty pecan treats during the holidays.

Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty: 6 Irresistible Ways to Indulge - Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. They’re perfect for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored until needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty

What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty?

The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and ensuring not to overmix the dough. The combination of finely ground pecans and the right baking time results in a tender base that pairs beautifully with the jam.

Can I make Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty ahead of time?

Absolutely! These homemade nutty pecan bars can be baked ahead of time and stored for up to a week, making them an excellent option for holiday gatherings or meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough. This will help maintain the intended texture of the pecan cookie bars.

Variations of Pecan Linzer Bars Nutty You Can Try

Consider trying these variations for a fun twist:

Use different nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.
Experiment with various jams, like apricot or blackberry, for a different taste.
Create a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the dough.
Make a gluten-free version by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

For more delicious recipes, check out this link. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, visit this page for more information. Don’t forget to explore these tips for baking success!