Pecan Pie Maple Shortbread Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the oven to 350F and arrange a rack in middle. Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish then line with parchement paper or aluminum foil, leaving a few inches of overhang on each side.
2. 2
   Combine 3/4 cup of the pecans with the 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a food processor. Pulse until the nuts are a coarse meal.
3. 3
   Add the flour and process until it's a fine meal and evenly mixed.
4. 4
   Cut 8 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes, add it, and pulse until the mixture comes together in a clump. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 30 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove from the oven and let cool at least 25 to 30 minutes before continuing. Meanwhile, make the filling.
6. 6
   For the filling:Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and roughly chop the remaining pecans.
7. 7
   Whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, melted butter, dark rum (if using), vanilla, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and eggs in a small bowl until well combined.
8. 8
   Add the pecans and stir to coat.
9. 9
   Pour the pecan mixture over the crust and return the baking dish to the oven.
10. 10
    Bake until top is well browned, slightly puffed, and set (it will no longer jiggle when the pan is shaken), about 35 to 45 minutes.
11. 11
    Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing from dish and cutting into 1-inch squares.