Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
3. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before cutting.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.