April is National Pecan Month, so we’re jonesin’ to celebrate the 30-day holiday with something sweet and delicious! Instead of the obvious Pecan Pie however, we put a Pecan Goo Goo twist on a Canadian classic, Nanaimo Bars, but don’t be fooled by the fancy name, these are easy as pie to make.
Goo Goo Pecan Bars
Made with Pecan Goo Goo Clusters
Yield: 24 bars in 9"×11" baking dish
Ingredients:
2 C crushed pecan shortbread cookies (about 21 cookies)
1/2 C, plus 6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 C flour
1 C chopped pecans
1/2 C, plus 3 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix
2 C powdered sugar
8 Pecan Goo Goo Clusters
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350˚F.
Bottom layer:
Melt 6 tbsp butter. Combine cookie crumbs, flour, pecans, and butter in a large mixing bowl. Grease a 9×11 baking dish and press cookie mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool completely.
Middle layer:
Using an electric mixer, cream together 1/2 C butter, 3 tbsp cream and pudding mix until smooth. Add powdered sugar, 1/2 C at a time, until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture onto the cooled bottom layer. Move dish to refrigerator and allow to chill until middle layer is firm to the touch.
Top layer:
Place Pecan Goo Goo Clusters and 1/2 C cream in a double boiler over medium low heat. Stirring frequently, melt until smooth and pourable. Pour melted Goo Goo’s evenly over the cooled middle layer and spread to cover. Immediately return dish to refrigerator and chill until top layer is set.
Using a sharp knife, cut into 1.5" bars to serve. Store in airtight container.