How to Baking Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
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Indulge in the rich and buttery flavors of “Decadent Delight: Caramel Pecan Dream Bars.” These delectable bars feature a buttery crust topped with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a sweet treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Pecan Dream Bars:
- Rich and Gooey: The perfect blend of caramel and pecans.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients Notes For Caramel Pecan Dream Bars:
- Crust:
- Butter: Softened, for a rich and buttery base.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for structure.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Filling:
- Butter: Adds richness to the caramel layer.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the caramel filling.
- Corn Syrup: Helps create a smooth, gooey caramel.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the caramel.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped, for a crunchy topping.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
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Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 cups of chopped pecans. Mix until the pecans are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How to Baking Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- For the Filling:
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar.
- Cut in the 1/2 cup cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the 2/3 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 1 minute without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the caramel pecan filling over the hot crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
- Cut into squares or bars.