Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a rich and indulgent treat with layers of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Here’s a recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup (packed) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

1. Make the Caramel Filling:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
• Once boiling, continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel is thickened.
• Remove from heat and pour the caramel over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly.

1. Add the Pecans:

• Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer, pressing them gently into the caramel.

1. Bake and Cool:

• Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans are toasted.
• Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

1. Optional Chocolate Drizzle:

• If you want to add a chocolate drizzle, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars.

1. Cut and Serve:

• Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars.

Enjoy these rich and delectable Caramel Pecan Dream Bars! They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a special treat.