Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a delightful treat that combines the richness of caramel, the crunchiness of pecans, and the sweetness of a buttery crust. Here’s a recipe for making these delicious bars:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt.
  2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

3. Add the Pecans:

  1. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the crust.

4. Make the Caramel Layer:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup. Stir continuously.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the caramel mixture over the pecans and crust in the baking pan.

5. Bake:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the caramel is set.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan.

6. Optional Chocolate Drizzle:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars.

7. Chill and Slice:

  1. Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set.
  2. Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
  3. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your delicious Caramel Pecan Dream Bars and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

These bars are perfect for dessert or as a sweet treat for special occasions. The caramel, pecans, and buttery crust create a heavenly combination that is sure to be a hit.

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