Decadent Butter Pecan Bars: The Perfect Sweet for Your Magical Orchard Afternoon Tea Picnic
Imagine yourself amidst the golden glow of a late-summer orchard, the air sweet with the scent of ripening fruit. Join us for a truly glorious Afternoon Tea picnic under the leafy arbour. We’re delighted to serve an array of finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and our star sweet: these irresistible Butter Pecan Bars. Featuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a rich, silky toffee layer generously studded with crunchy pecans, they are the epitome of autumnal indulgence.
There’s an undeniable magic in the air as the late-summer afternoon light paints the orchard garden in hues of gold and amber. This particular season, often referred to as the “tipping point” of lushness, brings forth a profound sense of fullness and ripeness. It’s a time when nature’s bounty is at its peak, with a musky, sweet fragrance emanating from the fruits and vegetables before the gentle, inevitable decline into autumn. Here in our cherished orchard, the air is not only perfumed with the sweet aroma of black raspberries drying on the vine but also with the earthy scent of ruddy apples, heavy on their branches, almost bowing to the ground. The first few yellow leaves, softened by last night’s heavy dew, have already begun their decomposition, adding to the rich tapestry of nature’s scents.
This enchanting atmosphere beckons us to pause, to find a moment of stillness within the garden’s embrace. It’s a perfect invitation to celebrate the culmination of a glorious summer, to savor the peace and abundance of the orchard. For this special occasion, we decided to host an intimate Afternoon Tea Party under our rustic arbour with our dear friends and picnic partners, Nicoletta and Loreto, from SugarLoveSpices. Together, we gathered to honor the season, indulging in delightful treats and warm conversation in our beloved orchard garden.
The Virginia Creeper vines, now at their thickest and beginning to don their stunning ruby-red fall blanket, have almost completely enrobed the sturdy cedar arbour my dad lovingly built for us years ago. A necessary trim was in order to reveal its charming structure and allow the golden light to filter through, creating a welcoming and intimate space. After its ‘haircut,’ the arbour gracefully opened up, inviting us into its leafy embrace, a perfect haven for our gathering.
Setting the Scene: An Enchanting Fall Picnic Outdoors
To create our ideal picnic spot, we carefully positioned a sturdy table beside the old stone bench nestled within the arbour. We then draped it with a luxurious golden damask tablecloth, layered over a larger cream-colored undercloth to elegantly conceal the table legs. This leafy, shaded nook under the vines transformed into a truly secret and magical spot for our outdoor tea. The centerpiece of our table, a beautiful Portmeirion teapot accompanied by matching teacups, exuded classic charm. Complementing these, a clear glass 3-tiered cake stand, gracefully wrapped with a bronze ribbon handle, stood ready to hold our culinary delights. Vintage luncheon plates, a sparkling crystal fruit bowl, elegant candle holders, and delicate jam bowls further enhanced the refined atmosphere. To tie into the botanical theme of our orchard-inspired Afternoon Tea, we added vibrant green majolica side plates, their intricate designs echoing the natural beauty around us.
Every detail contributed to the natural elegance of our setting. Ivory linen napkins, adorned with antique beaded napkin rings, and soft, glowing beeswax candles completed the look, adding a touch of rustic sophistication. Of course, no garden tea is complete without fresh flowers. We carefully selected golden calendulas and bright orange echinacea from our gardens, alongside boughs of crabapples, heavy with their ruby fruits. Tiny blown-glass cylinder vases, each holding a cheerful yellow blossom, graced every place setting. As the sun streamed through the overflowing Virginia Creeper vines, they formed a spectacular, glowing backdrop, creating an almost ethereal ambiance for our gathering.
Just in front of the arbour, a smaller, auxiliary table was carefully covered with a richly colored tapestry rug, adding another layer of texture and warmth. A shimmering crystal vase, overflowing with glorious fall flowers lovingly gleaned from both of our gardens, held pride of place on this table. Surrounding it was a tempting selection of fall-inspired desserts: Nicoletta’s delightful Olive Oil Apple Cake, charmingly bedecked with crabapple sprigs; a bowl of my luscious Maple Ginger Cashew Cream, offering a dairy-free alternative to whipped cream; and a vintage glass plate piled high with Chocolate-covered Stuffed Medjool Dates, a simple yet utterly delicious treat. Our classic wicker picnic basket, opened and ready, sat invitingly beside the table. Nearby, a stand of vibrant purple monkshood bloomed in joyful profusion, adding a final touch of nature’s artistry to our festive scene.
Autumn’s Glory, Savor Every Moment
Our Orchard Harvest Afternoon Tea Menu
There’s something inherently more special about an Afternoon Tea served amidst the natural beauty of a garden.
ORCHARD HARVEST AFTERNOON TEA PICNIC MENU
Savouries
Turkey Slider Buns with Arugula, Pickled Red Cabbage & Sage Mayonnaise
Peanut Butter & Jam Sandwiches
Apple & Cheddar Bites
Scones
Cranberry Scones with Crème Fraîche and Orange Marmalade
Sweets
Butter Pecan Bars
Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares
Apple Cake with Maple Ginger Cashew Cream
Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates
Fresh Orchard Fruits: Apples, Grapes, Pears
Beverages
Vanilla Rooibos Tea
Sparkling Water
Savoring the Delights: From Savories to Sweet Indulgences
Our Afternoon Tea experience traditionally begins with the savory treats on the bottom tier of the cake stand. We started with our homemade Turkey Slider Buns. These miniature sandwiches are a delightful medley of flavors: tender deli smoked turkey slices, a zesty sage mayonnaise, a generous bed of fresh arugula, and crisp, tangy quick-pickled red cabbage. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of savory, creamy, and bright notes – truly delicious, and a recipe we’ll be sharing soon. We also couldn’t resist including the comforting, nostalgic classic: good old-fashioned peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Prepared on wholesome brown bread with my luscious homemade saskatoon jelly and sweet strawberry jam, they brought a familiar sweetness to the spread. Adding a brilliant touch, Nicoletta and Loreto contributed their favorite Apple & Cheddar Bites – simple, yet incredibly flavorful. These consist of crisp slices of fresh apple topped with mature aged cheddar, then drizzled with a touch of honey and a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. An easy and truly fantastic appetizer that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
Next, The Quintessential Scones
Following the cherished English Afternoon Tea tradition, our journey through the tiers continued to the middle section, dedicated to the beloved scones. For this picnic, we proudly featured tender Cranberry Scones. Nicoletta, with her culinary expertise, adapted her wonderful scone recipe by adding dried cranberries, infusing them with a delightful, tart flavor that perfectly complements the autumn mood. We served these light and fluffy scones with a generous dollop of rich crème fraîche, as authentic clotted cream proved elusive, but its tanginess proved to be a magnificent substitute. Instead of the usual strawberry jam, we opted for a bright and zesty orange marmalade. Its citrusy notes paired exquisitely with the tart cranberries, enhancing the overall taste experience and truly embodying the vibrant, lingering essence of late summer.
The Grand Finale: Decadent Sweets, Featuring Our Signature Butter Pecan Bars
The pinnacle of our cake stand, the sweet tier, was adorned with an array of irresistible desserts designed to delight every palate. I contributed rich Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares, featuring a tangy pumpkin cheesecake filling lightly spiced with classic fall flavors and topped with a delightfully crunchy streusel. But the undeniable stars of this tier were these utterly decadent Butter Pecan Bars. These bars are a sublime cross between a traditional, rich pecan pie and the creamy, toffee-filled goodness of butter tarts. Their perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors makes them an ideal indulgence for an Afternoon Tea picnic, or indeed, any picnic occasion. They are remarkably sturdy, travel exceptionally well, and are fantastic for making ahead, simplifying your hosting duties.
Nicoletta further enriched our sweet selection with her charming vintage plate, laden with caramelly sweet Medjool dates, exquisitely stuffed with a walnut half and then lovingly dipped in rich chocolate. This treat is a testament to delicious simplicity. Loreto’s mother’s elegant footed crystal bowl, meanwhile, offered a refreshing counterpoint with a vibrant selection of fresh orchard fruits: crisp apples, sweet grapes, and juicy pears. And, naturally, no Afternoon Tea Picnic would be complete without a steaming pot of hot tea. For this autumnal gathering, we chose a fragrant Vanilla Rooibos, its warm, comforting notes perfectly complementing the fall vibe.
For an extra flourish to our sweet spread, we served Nicoletta’s exquisite ode to the orchard: a beautifully apple-studded cake, rich with autumnal flavors. This was perfectly paired with my luscious Maple Ginger Cashew Cream. This dairy-free alternative to traditional whipped cream is not only wonderfully flavorful but also holds up exceptionally well for any picnic, making it a convenient and delicious choice.
Settled comfortably on cushions on the benches, we leaned our elbows on the table within the cozy arbour, enveloped in easy chatter, warm laughter, and the simple pleasure of good company. We savored each bite and sipped our tea as the birds twittered melodically in the apple trees above. Lazily, we waved away the occasional persistent wasp, eager to share the lingering remnants of our delightful feast, as the glorious afternoon slowly transitioned into a gentle twilight, and the golden light gradually waned. It was an experience that truly felt timeless.
Indeed, it was a truly magical teatime in the heart of the orchard, a perfect celebration of friendship, nature’s bounty, and the enchanting beauty of late summer.
For more enchanting photos, the full story of our Orchard Afternoon Tea Picnic, and Nicoletta and Loreto’s exquisite Stuffed Dates recipe, be sure to head over to SugarLoveSpices. And for those eager to recreate a piece of this magic, continue scrolling to find our irresistible Butter Pecan Bars recipe below. This unforgettable experience has certainly given us the picnic bug – we’re already dreaming of our next outdoor feast!
Explore More Picnics and Afternoon Tea Inspirations
Inspired to host your own outdoor gathering? Discover a wealth of delightful recipes and creative ideas from our other memorable picnics and unique Afternoon Teas:
- Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches and a Perfect Afternoon Tea Picnic
- Gluten-Free Sausage Rolls and a Glorious Autumn Picnic
- Hearty Homemade Tomato Soup and a Late Fall Picnic by the Lake
- Delightful Gluten-Free Victoria Sponge Cake and a Summer Afternoon Tea Picnic
- Luscious Lemon Mousse and a Fun & Games Picnic
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Butter Pecan Bars Recipe
Butter Pecan Bars
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Equipment
- 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) salted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1¼ cups (175 g) gluten-free flour blend (or regular flour for non-gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter (salted)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (distilled white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups (125 g) coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (180℃). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is beautifully smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and continue mixing until the ingredients combine to form small, even crumbs. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create the shortbread crust.
- Bake the shortbread crust for exactly 10 minutes. This pre-baking step ensures a perfectly crisp base.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the luscious pecan filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, packed brown sugar, melted butter, vinegar (which adds a subtle tang and balances the sweetness), and pure vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the coarsely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Carefully remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Using the back of a spoon, gently press down any air bubbles that may have formed in the crust. Pour the prepared filling mixture evenly over the hot crust, then return the pan to the oven.
- Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling appears set and golden at the edges but still has a slight, gentle jiggle in the center. This ensures a perfectly soft, gooey center. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for 10 minutes. While still warm, run a butter knife or a thin spatula around the inside edges of the pan to loosen the filling from the sides. This crucial step prevents the bars from sticking as they cool and contract.
- For the best results and clean cuts, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan and the filling to set thoroughly. This will take approximately 3 to 4 hours, or ideally, chill them in the refrigerator. Once fully set, cut the large bar into 9 perfect squares, then for an elegant presentation, cut each square diagonally into 2 triangles.
- This recipe yields 18 delightful triangle-shaped Butter Pecan Bars, perfect for sharing or savoring yourself!
Notes
For a delightful twist reminiscent of classic Canadian butter tarts, replace the pecans entirely with 1 cup of plump raisins or sweet currants to create exquisite Butter Tart Bars.