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Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
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Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a rich and gooey dessert featuring a buttery crust, luscious caramel layer, and crunchy toasted pecans. This easy-to-make treat combines sweet and nutty flavors with a perfect balance of texture, making it ideal for any occasion from casual snacks to festive gatherings. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels looking to impress friends and family with a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Layer

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Topping

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted

Optional Variations

  • Walnuts instead of pecans
  • ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • Sea salt for sprinkling on top
  • Coconut oil in place of butter for dairy-free option

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to create the base layer.
  2. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. This ensures a sturdy base that holds the toppings without becoming soggy.
  3. Add the caramel layer: Allow the crust to cool slightly, then evenly pour and spread the sweetened condensed milk over the crust, forming the gooey caramel layer.
  4. Sprinkle chopped pecans: Generously sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer, adding crunch and a nutty flavor.
  5. Final baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set firmly for clean slicing.

Notes

  • Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet before using to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Use room temperature softened butter for better mixing and a tender crust.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent caramel from oozing out.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper to easily lift bars out and achieve clean edges.
  • Use a sharp or serrated knife to cut bars cleanly without squishing layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel bars, pecan bars, caramel pecan bars, nutty desserts, easy baking, gooey bars, dessert bars, homemade sweets

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/caramel-pecan-dream-bars/