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