Description

These Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are the perfect blend of rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture. With a smooth caramel layer, chopped pecans, and a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, these bars are a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside.
In a saucepan, melt the brown sugar and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and pour it evenly over the baked crust.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer and gently press them into the caramel.
Bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans are golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Notes

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated.

If you want a crispier crust, bake it a minute or two longer and press the dough mixture firmly into the pan.

For variety, try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

These bars can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg