About
Honey Bars are a sweet twist on pecan blondies... with an emphasis on sweet! Smoky brown sugar, floral honey, and fruity applesauce come together for a chewy, sticky, and delectable treat with a bouquet of flavors in each bite. Filled with nutty pecans, Honey Bars are the perfect blend of crunchy and ooey-gooey. Once you sink your teeth into these bars, you'll wonder where they've been all your life. Everyone you share them with will have a similar thought, so good thing there are plenty to go around!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted, chopped
- flaky sea salt, optional, to taste
Directions
Step 1 -Position a rack in the center of the oven.
Step 2 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 3 -Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
Step 4 -Line the baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the edge on two sides.
Step 5 -Grease and flour the pan, tapping out any excess flour. Set aside.
Step 6 -Melt the butter, applesauce, and honey together in a saucepan.
Step 7 -Stir in the brown sugar.
Step 8 -Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
Step 9 -Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 10 -Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 11 -Add the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt, mixing until just combined.
Step 12 -Let the batter cool for 20 minutes.
Step 13 -Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 14 -Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top and spreading the batter as evenly as you can.
Step 15 -Sprinkle lightly with the flaky salt.
Step 16 -Bake until the edges are browned and the center is set, about 24-28 minutes.
Step 17 -Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 18 -Use the parchment to lift the honey bars out of the pan.
Step 19 -Cut into squares and serve.
