Description
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Rich, Chewy Bars with a Buttery Crust, Gooey Caramel Filling, and Crunchy Pecans
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
For the caramel pecan filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the caramel pecan filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Assemble the bars:
- Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
Cool and serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
- Serve and enjoy these rich, buttery Caramel Pecan Dream Bars as a dessert or sweet snack.
