Texas Pecan Pie Bars

Texas Pecan Pie Bars
Crust

1 1/2 c. unsalted butter (3 sticks)
1 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt

Filling

8 large eggs
6 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 bourbon, optional
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
2 c. sweetened, flaked coconut
2 c. pecan halves

To make the crust
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 12×17 baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Beat butter in a large bowl on medium speed for about 1 minute.
Add sugar and beat one minute, until fluffy. Add flour and salt; beat on low speed until combined but still crumbly. Press the mixture evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until it has turned a deep golden brown. Leave oven temperature at 350, but remove baking pan from oven.

To make the filling

Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until blended. Stir in bourbon, butter, vanilla, flour, and salt. Add coconut and pecans. Pour the filling over the crust, spreading evenly. Bake until set, about 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly on wire rack.