Indulge in the rich, layered flavors of these Pecan Caramel Bars, a treat that pairs perfectly with your afternoon coffee or as a sweet finish to any meal. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey caramel middle, and a luscious chocolate topping sprinkled with toasted pecans, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and tastes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
For the Topping:
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter in a large bowl until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- For the caramel layer, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, continuing to stir until it thickens and turns a deep caramel color. Evenly pour the caramel over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans appear toasted.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toppings. Wait a few minutes for the chips to melt, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over everything.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the chocolate properly.
- Once the bars are set, cut them into squares. Serve as a delightful treat that can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if preferred.
These Pecan Caramel Bars are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a decadent dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious.