Pecan Pie Shortbread is a cookie/pie mashup recipe and a fun twist on tradition. It looks just like a classic pecan pie, but underneath the crunchy pecans there’s a thick layer of buttery vanilla shortbread.
This pecan pie shortbread has the same familiar flavors that we all love in pecan pie, but in a lighter form.
It makes a beautiful presentation with very little effort.
Great taste + easy to make + beautiful to look at = a winner recipe in my book.
what you’ll need
- unsalted butter
- confectioner’s sugar
- vanilla bean paste or extract
- all purpose flour
- pecan halves
the method
- I spread a batch of my basic vanilla shortbread dough into a tart pan, smoothing it out super flat.
- I stud the top with pecan halves. A small bag of nut halves was enough to cover the surface and it’s fun to create the design. I pressed them in gently with the palm of my hand so they stay put when cutting later. The pecans crisp up in the oven and develop a rich toasted flavor.
- Bake!
The shortbread puffs up just slightly in the oven, and the whole thing is just delightful.
Another great feature of this shortbread is its versatility. It goes from coffee break to holiday dessert…you can slice it just like pie and eat it with a fork, or pick it up with your hands. I’ve eaten it for breakfast twice already.
My husband discovered that adding a drizzle of the caramel sauce I made for our “Frozen Turkey“ cocktails yesterday is not a bad idea at all…
I think this would make a great gift, especially if you leave it whole and wrap it up with cellophane.
Pecan Pie Shortbread
Equipment
- 9 inch tart pan with removable bottom
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Set oven to 350F
- Cream the butter and sugar well in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or use a hand held mixer.
- Blend in the vanilla, and then mix in the flour, just until it comes together to form a dough.
- Turn the dough out into your 9" tart pan. Use your hands to smooth out the dough into an even layer. Finish smoothing with an offset spatula or spreader. You are looking for a flat even surface.
- Arrange the pecan halves decoratively across the entire surface. When you are satisfied with your design, press them into the dough with gentle pressure from the palm of your hand. This will ensure they won't fall off when you cut the shortbread.
- Cover the top of the tart loosely with a square of foil to keep the pecans from browining too much, and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
- Cool on a rack and then remove from the pan and slice into thin wedges with a sharp knife.
Notes
More pecan treats from the archives…
- Maple Frangipane Pecan Pie
- Pecan Buttermilk Fudge
- Salted Maple Pecan Brittle
- Toasted Pecan and Dark Chocolate Chip Blondies
Simply stunning and such a clever idea to make it look like a pecan pie. I love your shortbread method too. The whole dish is very chic!
I love pecan pie and you really had me fooled with the traditional look of this, must give it a go though – good twist.
Any self-respecting Southerner would cry at the thought of less than gooey pecan pie but what a great idea. Since I’m an Aussie/Yank born north of the Mason-Dixon line, I think I’ve found my new Thanksgiving pecan pie!
Wow! Such a great substitute for pecan pie. I grew up in Mississippi and pecan pie was a staple, but it’s SO sweet. I love shortbread dough and not so sugary sweet. This is an awesome recipe and your photos are beautiful!
Thanks Bill. I just finished off the last piece of it!
I love shortbread, what a fabulous recipe!
You made me laugh, twice!
1. “candied up in pie goop (sorry pecan pie lovers)” – I am 100% behind you on that one!
2. “I’ve eaten it for breakfast twice already”. – a woman after my own heart ; )
Very simple yet so fancy.
Great idea. A winner for sure.
Thanks, Sue.
What a beautiful dessert, definitely a good alternative! And I love the gift idea. I’d be thrilled to receive something like this!
Yes, I love this way more than pecan pie- or I imagine I would!! No more goopy pecans!!
Beautiful! And I love the mix of shortbread and pecans. What an inspired way to combine them. I’ll be bookmarking this one!
This looks so good! Definitely going to try it soon.