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.