Here’s a delicious recipe for Caramel Pecan Bars. These bars have a buttery shortbread crust, rich caramel filling, and are topped with crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The dough should be crumbly but will hold together when pressed.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Caramel Pecan Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes a deep golden color.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake the Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the edges are set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
6. Cut and Serve:
- Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into squares or rectangles.
Tips:
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Extra Decadence: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nut Variations: You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference.
These Caramel Pecan Bars are perfect for a sweet treat, holiday gatherings, or just when you crave something rich and nutty!