Creamy Pecan Dessert Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the creamy filling mixture.
5. Once the crust is ready, pour the creamy filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned.
6. Allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, top with pecan halves and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
7. For the best texture, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the dish and cut them into squares.