Chocolate-Date Pecan Bars

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line with 2 crisscrossed pieces of parchment, buttering in between and leaving an overhang on all sides; butter the parchment.
2. Make the crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt; process until fine crumbs form. With floured fingers, press the dough into the prepared pan and bake until just beginning to brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the filling: Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; coarsely chop. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugars, butter, honey, and cream; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the pecans, dates, and vanilla.
4. Spread the filling over the crust, sprinkle with the chocolate chips, and let cool in the pan for about 1 hour.
5. Holding the paper overhang, lift the pecan bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 24 rectangles (6 rows by 4 rows).