Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavor of caramel and the crunch of pecans to create a mouthwatering dessert. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings at home. With a smooth texture and a hint of nuttiness, these bars are sure to please everyone.
how to make Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the layer of dough.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
how to serve Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Once cooled, slice the Caramel Pecan Dream Bars into squares or rectangles. These bars can be served as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack throughout the day. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top for added indulgence.
how to store Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
To store the Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
tips to make Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the bars cool completely. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Use fresh pecans for better flavor and crunch. You can also toast the pecans beforehand for an extra nutty taste.
- Experiment with different caramel sauces; homemade or store-bought can work well.
variation
You can try adding chocolate chips or swapping pecans for walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can also add a warm twist to the bars.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter will give a richer flavor and better texture in these bars.
2. What can I do if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make a simple homemade caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream, or you can use a store-bought version.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on the edges and a little soft in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped Use fresh pecans for better flavor and crunch. Toasting them can enhance nutty taste.
- 1 cup caramel sauce Experiment with different caramel sauces; homemade or store-bought works well.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the layer of dough.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
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