When it comes to timeless desserts, Dolly Madison Bars hold a special place in our hearts. Named after the iconic First Lady known for her charm and hospitality, these bars are a delightful blend of rich flavors and chewy textures. They’re perfect for satisfying our sweet tooth while adding a touch of nostalgia to any gathering.
What makes these bars so irresistible is the combination of buttery crust, sweet filling, and just the right amount of crunch. They’re easy to make and versatile enough to serve as a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether we’re baking for a family get-together or simply treating ourselves, Dolly Madison Bars never disappoint.
Dolly Madison Bars Recipe
This Dolly Madison Bars Recipe is simple to follow and creates a timeless dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s walk through the steps to prepare these rich and decadent bars.
Ingredients
Here’s what we’ll need to craft this nostalgic treat:
Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for extra texture)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Gradually combine the flour with the creamed mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to form a soft dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure the crust is smooth and evenly distributed.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
- While the crust cools, whisk together the eggs and packed brown sugar in a large bowl until frothy and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and coconut (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
- Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
- Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Cool and slice
- Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Once cooled, lift the dessert using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into bars using a sharp knife.
Baking Tips
- For a smoother crust: Ensure your butter is fully softened before creaming. This prevents dryness in the crust.
- Chopped nuts: Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.
This Dolly Madison Bars Recipe delivers the perfect combination of buttery crust, rich filling, and nutty crunch. Perfect for family gatherings or a sweet afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients
To prepare our Dolly Madison Bars, we’ll need separate ingredients for both the crust and the filling. Here’s a detailed list of everything required, ensuring accuracy for the perfect results.
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Tools And Equipment Needed
Having the right tools and equipment ensures that our Dolly Madison Bars turn out perfect every time. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to prepare, bake, and serve this delightful dessert.
Baking Essentials
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls for preparing the crust and filling separately.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the filling ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For combining the crust mixture and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Baking and Assembly Tools
- 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: A standard size ensures even baking and proper bar thickness.
- Parchment Paper: For lining the pan; it makes removing the bars easier without sticking.
- Pastry Cutter (optional): If we’re mixing the crust by hand, this tool helps blend the butter seamlessly into the flour mixture.
- Offset Spatula: To spread the filling evenly over the crust for a polished look.
Baking and Cooling Equipment
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F for consistent baking.
- Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot pan.
- Cooling Rack: For proper air circulation to cool the bars thoroughly after baking.
Table of Required Tools and Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | For preparing the crust and filling separately. |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensures precise ingredient measurements. |
| Whisk | For smooth, lump-free mixing. |
| Baking Pan (9×13-inch) | Provides uniform thickness and even baking. |
| Parchment Paper | Prevents sticking for easy pan removal. |
| Pastry Cutter (optional) | Mixes butter and flour for a smooth crust texture. |
| Offset Spatula | Spreads filling evenly for consistent layering. |
| Cooling Rack | Cools bars evenly after baking. |
Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these mouthwatering Dolly Madison Bars. Follow along to create the perfect blend of buttery crust, rich filling, and nutty goodness.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal.
- Gather all the ingredients and ensure the butter is fully softened for a smooth and even crust.
Make The Crust
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the topping.
Prepare The Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar until frothy.
- Whisk in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans and 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Tip: For a deeper nutty flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before chopping.
Assemble The Bars
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the topping mixture over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly with an offset spatula.
- Gently level the filling to ensure even coverage across the surface of the crust.
Bake
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice into bars or squares to serve.
For clean edges, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before slicing.
Cooling And Serving
Cooling Steps:
- Remove the baking pan from the oven, placing it immediately on a cooling rack. This helps the dessert cool evenly by providing airflow underneath the pan.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cutting them too early can result in crumbled pieces and uneven edges.
- For even easier slicing, once they’ve reached room temperature, place the pan in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. This firms up the filling and ensures sharper, cleaner cuts.
Slicing Tips:
- Use a sharp knife to achieve precise cuts. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat edges, especially if the bars include sticky elements like coconut.
- To create uniform portions for serving, aim to slice the bars into 2×2-inch squares or adjust the size based on your preference. Refer to recommended serving sizes:
| Pan Size | Slices (2×2 inch) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13-inch pan | 24 squares | Ideal for larger gatherings. |
| Half portion | 12 squares | Perfect for smaller occasions. |
Serving Suggestions:
- For an elegant touch, arrange the bars on a decorative dessert platter. Garnish them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate.
- These bars pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of chilled milk, or even hot tea for a cozy treat.
- Serve them as-is or customize with sides like whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Keep In Mind:
- If the bars are stored for later, let guests know that these treats taste best at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- For events, individually wrapping the bars in parchment paper squares adds a personal, rustic touch while keeping them fresh.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
Planning ahead with Dolly Madison Bars ensures they’re as delightful days later as they are fresh out of the oven. Proper preparation and storage not only save time but also maintain their rich flavors and textures.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can easily prepare these bars in advance without losing their signature flavor:
- Make the crust and filling separately: Prepare the crust and filling, then refrigerate them covered tightly for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, assemble and finish in the oven.
- Fully bake and freeze: Once baked and cooled completely, slice the bars and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. This ensures you have ready-to-serve desserts at a moment’s notice.
Storage Methods
Properly storing the Dolly Madison Bars safeguards their flavors and textures:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and moist.
- Refrigerated: For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container where they will keep well for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Arrange the wrapped bars in a single layer to avoid sticking, then store for up to 2 months. Label the container with the preparation date to track freshness.
Reheating and Serving
Reheat frozen bars for fresh-like flavors:
- Thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving.
- For a warm and gooey dessert, heat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Storage & Shelf-Life Reference Table
To make it easy, we’ve summarized the ideal storage conditions and shelf life below:
| Storage Method | Container Type | Duration | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container | Up to 3 days | Ideal for short-term freshness |
| Refrigerated | Sealed container | Up to 1 week | Keeps bars chilled and firm |
| Frozen | Freezer-safe bag/container | Up to 2 months | Wrap individually for best results |
Pro Tip: Adding a sheet of parchment paper between layers in the container prevents sticking and keeps the bars intact. With these Make-Ahead And Storage Tips, your Dolly Madison Bars remain fresh and irresistible, ready for any occasion.
Conclusion
Dolly Madison Bars bring together timeless flavors and an irresistible texture in every bite. Whether we’re baking for a family gathering, prepping for a holiday spread, or indulging in a quiet treat, these bars never disappoint. Their simplicity, versatility, and nostalgic charm make them a go-to dessert we can always count on.
By following the recipe and tips, we can ensure perfect results every time. Let’s savor the joy of creating these delightful bars and sharing them with the ones we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dolly Madison Bars?
Dolly Madison Bars are a nostalgic dessert featuring a buttery crust, a sweet and rich filling, and a crunchy texture from ingredients like pecans and optional coconut. They are perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a quick snack.
What ingredients do I need to make Dolly Madison Bars?
For the crust, you’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. The filling requires eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, more flour, coarsely chopped pecans, and optional sweetened shredded coconut.
How do I prepare the crust for Dolly Madison Bars?
Start by creaming softened butter with sugar. Add flour and salt, mixing until combined. Press the mixture evenly into a prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F until golden.
Can I make Dolly Madison Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the crust and filling separately and refrigerate for up to one day, or bake the bars completely and freeze them for up to two months in a freezer-safe container.
How should I store Dolly Madison Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. In the refrigerator, they’ll keep for up to one week, or you can freeze them individually wrapped for up to two months.
How can I ensure clean edges when slicing the bars?
Once cooled completely, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat and precise edges.
Do I need any special equipment to make Dolly Madison Bars?
You’ll need basic baking tools like mixing bowls, measuring cups, a whisk, and a 9×13-inch baking pan. An offset spatula and parchment paper can also be useful for assembling the bars.
What are some serving suggestions for Dolly Madison Bars?
Serve the bars plain or garnished with powdered sugar, drizzled chocolate, or whipped cream. They pair well with coffee, tea, or milk and can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Can I customize the Dolly Madison Bars recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace pecans with walnuts or omit the coconut for a simpler flavor. Adding chocolate chips or dried fruit is another way to customize the recipe to your taste.
How should I reheat frozen Dolly Madison Bars?
Thaw the bars at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them briefly until warm. This preserves their texture while making them taste freshly baked.