She Loves Wine's Easy Pecan Pie Bars

These are so good and so rich! I usually just make them for Christmas.

Base -

1 (18.25 oz.) package of yellow cake mix (reserve 2/3 cup)
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 large egg

Filling -

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 cups chopped pecans - separated in half


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 x 2" baking pan. Reserve 2/3 cup of the dry cake mix to use in the filling.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining dry cake mix, butter and 1 egg at low speed until well blended. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until light golden brown.

In a large bowl, combine reserved 2/3 cup dry cake mix, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and 3 eggs at low speed until moistened. Beat 1 minute at medium speed or until well blended. Add 1 cup of chopped pecans and pour filling over the warm base, sprinkle with the additional cup of chopped pecans.

Bake an additional 30 - 35 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 36 bars.