Indulge in the rich, buttery, and nutty goodness of Caramel Butter-Pecan Bars. This dessert combines the crunch of pecans, the sweetness of caramel, and the smoothness of milk chocolate, creating a truly irresistible treat.
The Story
Inspired by the classic flavors of Southern pecan pie, these bars offer a simpler yet equally satisfying experience. The combination of caramel and pecans has long been a favorite in desserts, and these bars are a testament to that timeless pairing.
Why You Should Make
Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, these bars are a great choice for dessert, snacks, or even as a homemade gift. They’re relatively easy to make and are sure to impress with their delightful combination of flavors and textures.
How to Serve
Serve these bars at room temperature as a sweet snack or dessert. They’re perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a special treat after a meal.
How to Store
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Let them return to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Use cold butter for the base to achieve a crumbly, shortbread-like texture.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Warm the caramel topping slightly for easier spreading.
Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup cold butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 (12 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping, warmed
- 1 (11 1/2 ounce) package milk chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle chopped pecans over it.
- Drizzle the warmed caramel topping evenly over the pecans.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is set.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the hot caramel.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars.
Cook Notes
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting will result in cleaner slices.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Sprinkle a little sea salt over the caramel layer before baking for a sweet and salty twist.
- Dark Chocolate Pecan Bars: Substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Keto Version
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, a keto-friendly sweetener in place of brown sugar, sugar-free caramel topping, and sugar-free chocolate chips.
Low-Carb Version
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a low-carb flour blend, use a low-carb sweetener, and opt for low-carb chocolate chips.
Nutrition Information
Each serving approximately contains (serves 24):
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation modifications.)
