Name: Honey Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; ⅓ cup honey; ¾ cup packed light-brown sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup white whole wheat flour; ½ cup all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup toasted chopped pecans; 1 pinch Flaky sea salt (optional)

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There’s something truly special about Honey Bars that brings back warm memories of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones. I remember the first time I made these delightful bars; the aroma of melting butter and honey filled the kitchen, instantly making it feel like home. These treats are perfect for sharing, whether it’s a casual gathering or just a sweet pick-me-up during the week. You’ll find that every bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and texture, making them irresistible.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2g g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
6g g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Oven

Why This Honey Bars Stands Out

Pure Comfort in Every Bite

One of the reasons I adore Honey Bars is their incredible comfort factor. The combination of brown sugar and honey creates a rich sweetness that feels like a warm hug. Each bar offers just the right amount of chewiness, making them a delightful snack any time of day.

Simple Ingredients

With just a handful of pantry staples, these bars are easy to whip up. You’ll appreciate how the flavors of white whole wheat flour and toasted pecans harmonize beautifully, providing both nutrition and taste. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something special.

Flexible and Adaptable

What I love about Honey Bars is their versatility. You can easily customize them by adding chocolate chips or dried fruit if you’re feeling adventurous. The basic recipe stands strong on its own, but a little creativity goes a long way.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are ideal for potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply as a sweet snack during your day. Their portable nature means they can be enjoyed anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go. I often make a batch to share with friends, and they disappear in no time!

Deliciously Satisfying

When you take that first bite of a freshly baked Honey Bar, the creamy texture combined with the crunchy bits of pecans creates a symphony of flavors. They’re sweet enough to satisfy a craving but not overwhelmingly so, making them perfect for any dessert lover.

Family Favorite

Lastly, these bars have become a family tradition in my home. Everyone from my kids to my grandparents loves them, which is a testament to their universal appeal. It’s heartwarming to see everyone gather around, sharing stories and enjoying something I made with love.

Honey Bars Shopping List

When it comes to baking Honey Bars, the ingredients are simple yet impactful. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The key players in this recipe include unsalted butter, honey, and pecans, which together create a deliciously satisfying treat.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture to the bars, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Helps to keep the bars moist while adding a subtle flavor.

⅓ cup honey: The star ingredient that sweetens the bars and gives them their lovely flavor.
¾ cup packed light-brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting flavor.
¾ cup white whole wheat flour: Provides a wholesome base while adding fiber.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the texture for a perfect bake.

1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bars.
½ cup toasted chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
Flaky sea salt: Optional finishing touch for a gourmet touch.

Putting Together Honey Bars

Making Honey Bars is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these steps to create your delicious treats. Trust me; once you get the aroma of these bars baking in your home, you’ll be hooked!

Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 350 degrees. Greasing an 8-inch square baking pan and lining it with parchment paper allows for easy removal later. Allow the parchment to overhang on two sides for easy lifting once baked.
Next, melt the butter, applesauce, and honey together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Once melted, transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in the brown sugar. Make sure it’s fully dissolved to avoid any grainy texture in your final bars.
Incorporate the egg into the mixture, whisking until it’s smooth and evenly combined. Then, add in the vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor.
Now, it’s time for the dry ingredients. Slowly mix in the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

After mixing, let the batter cool for about 20 minutes. This is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so patience is key!
Once cooled, fold in the toasted chopped pecans gently. This adds a lovely crunch that complements the soft bars beautifully.
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for an extra touch.

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 24 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Finally, let the pan cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut them into squares. Enjoy your delicious Honey Bars!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Mixing Technique: Combine ingredients gently to keep the bars tender; overmixing can lead to dense results.
Baking Tips: If you prefer softer bars, take them out of the oven a minute or two earlier.
Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.

Change It Up

Feel free to get creative with Honey Bars. Here are some suggestions to enhance or modify the recipe:

Storage: Store leftover honey bars in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Defrost them overnight before serving.

Variations: Try adding chocolate chips or different nuts for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flours with a gluten-free blend if needed.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey on top.

Serve This Honey Bars With

These Honey Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with numerous accompaniments. Here are some ideas for serving:

Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a mix of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful creaminess.
Seasonal Fruit: Consider serving with seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a delightful mix.
Nut Butter: Spread a layer of your favorite nut butter on top for extra flavor and protein.

FAQ

Honey Bars are a delicious treat made with a base of honey, butter, and flour, often enhanced with nuts like pecans. They offer a chewy, sweet flavor and are perfect for snacking or dessert. These bars are easy to make and are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also enjoying a hint of nuttiness from the added ingredients.

Yes, you can easily make Honey Bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that the other ingredients you use, like baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious taste without the gluten.

To store leftover Honey Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. Remember to defrost them overnight in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying them again.

To enhance the flavor of your Honey Bars, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or more nuts into the batter. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a special twist. These additions can elevate the taste and make your Honey Bars even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Honey Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of honey with the richness of butter and the crunch of pecans. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. With their comforting flavors and easy preparation, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.

Honey Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Honey Bars are a sweet delight that will satisfy your cravings. With a heavenly combination of honey, butter, and pecans, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for sharing. Make them tonight, and experience the joy!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
Chef's Knife
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
⅓ cup honey
¾ cup packed light-brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¾ cup white whole wheat flour
½ cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup toasted chopped pecans
1 pinch Flaky sea salt optional

Instructions

Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan, then line with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the edge on two sides. Grease and flour the pan, then tap out any excess flour. Set aside.

Melt butter, applesauce, and honey in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt, and mix until just combined. Let the batter cool 20 minutes, then stir in the chopped pecans.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top and spreading the batter as evenly as you can. If desired, sprinkle lightly with flaky salt.

Bake the pecan blondies until the edges are browned and the center is set, 24 to 28 minutes. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely, then use the parchment to lift blondies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Tip 1: Honey bars may be stored, at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tip 2: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours before serving.