Gooey Caramel Pecan Dream Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up these delectable caramel pecan dream bars that melt hearts instantly.

Buttery layers of richness promise an indulgent experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Nuts crunch with delightful intensity against silky caramel waves.

Mesmerizing textures blend seamlessly in each heavenly bite.

Soft shortbread creates a sublime foundation for these irresistible treats.

Chocolate drizzles add a luxurious finish that makes these bars truly special.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this decadent creation.

Why People Adore Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

• Caramel Pecan Dream Bars offer a delightful dessert experience with minimal effort.
• These bars require simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers seeking impressive results.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treat-yourself moments, these bars appeal to all ages with their irresistible sweet and nutty profile.
• Prepare these delectable bars in under an hour, transforming basic pantry staples into a gourmet-style dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the bar, light and fine-milled works best.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create tender crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, buttery foundation with smooth melting properties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel flavor with natural molasses undertones.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures smooth, rich caramel consistency with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps bind caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor depth to caramel mixture.
• Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and complementary toasted flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies caramel notes.

• Salt: Final seasoning touch to enhance overall taste complexity.

Steps to Prepare Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab a square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Flour
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Salt

Mix until the ingredients look like sandy crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom. Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden color, about 15-18 minutes. Let the crust cool down while you work on the topping.

Step 3: Craft the Gooey Caramel Pecan Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Heavy cream

• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Chopped pecans

Step 4: Layer the Deliciousness

Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure pecans are distributed throughout.

Step 5: Final Baking Magic

Return the pan to the oven. Bake until the topping turns bubbly and develops a rich golden-brown color, roughly 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Let the bars cool completely. For clean cuts, pop them in the refrigerator for half an hour. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire batch out, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Step 7: Indulge and Enjoy

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Get ready for a mouthwatering treat!

Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your crust is fully baked and golden before adding the caramel topping to maintain a crisp, sturdy base that won't get mushy.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Watch the caramel mixture carefully while cooking- it should bubble gently and reach a smooth, glossy texture without burning or becoming too hard.
• Toast Pecans for Extra Flavor: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the overall taste of the bars.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blend, and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make these bars suitable for different dietary restrictions.
• Slice Like a Pro: Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts to create neat, clean edges when serving the bars.

Keeping Caramel Pecan Dream Bars Fresh

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. This helps restore their soft, gooey texture.
• Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their delightful caramel warmth and crisp pecan crunch.

Serve These With Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

• Pair these rich, nutty bars with a robust espresso or dark roast coffee. The intense coffee notes will beautifully contrast the sweet caramel and complement the toasty pecan undertones.
• Select a late harvest Riesling or tawny port. These sweet wines highlight the caramel's depth while providing a smooth, luxurious drinking experience that enhances the bar's complexity.
• Top each bar with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture will balance the warm, gooey caramel and add a delightful temperature contrast that elevates the entire dessert.
• Drizzle a small amount of aged bourbon over the bars. The whiskey's smoky, woody notes will intensify the pecan flavors and add an elegant adult twist to this decadent treat.

Switch It Up with These Dream Bar Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for plant-based dietary needs.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining similar texture and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly or low-carb diets.

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent Caramel Pecan Dream Bars combine rich, nutty pecans with silky caramel in a heavenly dessert. Buttery layers melt together, creating an irresistible treat that transports you to sweet bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

Caramel and Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a perfectly lined 8×8-inch baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhangs for effortless extraction later.
2. Create a crumbly foundation by thoroughly blending flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a delicate salt pinch until the mixture achieves a sandy, cohesive texture.
3. Gently press the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, forming an even, compact base layer.
4. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake until the edges transform into a delicate golden hue, approximately 15-18 minutes.
5. While the crust rests, initiate the caramel transformation by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Stir the mixture continuously, watching it evolve into a smooth, glossy liquid that begins to bubble gently.
7. Remove the caramel from heat and introduce vanilla extract, a whisper of salt, and roughly chopped pecans, stirring until harmoniously combined.
8. Cascade the luscious caramel-pecan mixture over the slightly cooled crust, using a spatula to ensure an even, luxurious distribution.
9. Return the pan to the oven, allowing the topping to bubble and caramelize to a rich golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.
10. Permit the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then enhance slicing precision by chilling in the refrigerator for half an hour.
11. Leverage the parchment paper handles to extract the dessert, then slice into elegant squares or rectangles.
12. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, revealing a decadent layers of buttery crust and nutty caramel perfection.

Notes

• Choose high-quality butter for a richer, more luxurious crust texture.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to caramel for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Ensure caramel mixture doesn’t burn by stirring constantly and maintaining medium heat.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg