Go Back
Homemade Park Avenue Bars Recipe photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Park Avenue Bars Recipe

These Park Avenue Bars are rich, buttery, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans—an irresistible bar cookie treat!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Bar Cookie, Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy, Pecans, Sweet
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Bars

  • 1 tablespoon butter for coating the baking pan
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour the backbone of the bars
  • 2 cups sugar to sweeten the base
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder for leavening
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda to help the bars rise
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt enhances flavor
  • 3 large eggs binds the ingredients
  • 3/4 cup butter melted, adds richness
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
  • 1 cup pecans chopped, adds crunch

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened, for the luscious frosting
  • 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar for sweetness in the frosting

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
  • Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of butter, covering all sides to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until well combined.
  • In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Gently fold in 1 cup chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  • Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric Mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cooling Rack

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars.
  • Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth frosting.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.