Vanilla Nut Bars

from ButterYum

makes one 9x13 pan

Ingredients

Crust:

• • 2 1/2 sticks (20 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Filling:

• • 1/2 pound (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup Lyle's Golden Syrup (or honey)

  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • 1 pound chopped nuts (I used almonds and pecans)

Directions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Make the crust by combining the softened butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer.

  3. Use the paddle or BeaterBlade attachment (LOVE my BeaterBlade); mix for 3 minutes.

  4. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.

  5. Sift the dry ingredients together and add to the butter/sugar mixture on low speed just until all the ingredients are completely incorporated.

  6. Using well floured hands, press dough into ungreased 9x13 metal cake pan or lined 9x13 quarter sheet pan (see notes below).

  7. Bake crust for 15 minutes. Cool. Make the filling.

  8. Make the filling by combining the butter, honey, and brown sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

  9. Heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; continue to boil for 3 minutes.

  10. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, and chopped nuts.

  11. Pour mixture over the crust and bake for 20-25 minutes.

  12. Cool until set. Cut and serve!

**Lyle's Golden Syrup is an all natural sugar cane syrup imported from England - it has an addictive caramel-like flavor and I absolutely love it. It can be used interchangeably in any recipe that calls for honey. I've been finding it more easily at grocery stores lately, so have a look around and pick some up.

Notes - if baking in a sheet pan, build up the edges a bit with foil to catch any possible spills. A double recipe will fit in one half sheet pan or two 9x13 cake pans.