Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans with a sweet caramel drizzle. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, dessert parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With its chewy texture and crunchy pecans, every bite is a delicious experience that you won’t forget.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
How to Serve Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They are also great on their own as a sweet snack.
How to Store Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
To keep your caramel pecan dream bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, they can also be refrigerated for up to two weeks. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for easier mixing.
- Chop the pecans into small pieces for even distribution in the bars.
- If you prefer a thicker layer of caramel, feel free to add more sauce on top after baking!
- You can also experiment with different kinds of nuts, like walnuts or almonds, if you want a twist on the flavor.
Variation
For a different twist, you can add a layer of chocolate between the batter and the caramel sauce. Simply melt some chocolate and spread it over the baked base before adding the caramel sauce on top.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
How long do caramel pecan dream bars last?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup butter Soft but not melted for easier mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans Chop into small pieces for even distribution.
Toppings
- 1 cup caramel sauce Add more sauce for a thicker layer if desired.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Optional, for extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
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