Carolina Butter Pecan Cake Bars

Recipe View Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add pecan pieces and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. (8 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar and 1 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and butter extract. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the toasted pecans. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan. (30 minutes)

Recipe View While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, softened cream cheese, and 2/3 cup softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and almond extract. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Chop one half of the cake into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add 1/4 of the prepared frosting to the chopped cake and stir to combine thoroughly. Repeat with the remaining half of the cake and another 1/4 of the frosting. (15 minutes)

Recipe View Press the frosted cake mixture back into the baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it firmly with your fingers. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top of the pressed cake. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Refrigerate the cake bars until firm, at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. Once firm, cut into bars and serve chilled. (240 minutes)