Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Category: Decadent Desserts

Rich cookie bars with shortbread crust and caramel pecan topping. Takes about 1 hour including baking time. Great make-ahead dessert.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:49:50 GMT
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A perfect marriage of buttery shortbread and gooey caramel creates these indulgent Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, where each layer builds upon the next to deliver an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The crisp, tender crust supports a luxurious caramel-pecan filling that's perfectly balanced - not too sweet, but rich enough to satisfy any dessert craving.

Through many batches of testing, I've discovered that allowing the shortbread base to cool slightly before adding the filling creates the perfect texture contrast. The way the caramel seeps slightly into the crust creates an incredible middle layer that makes these bars truly dream-worthy.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Quality unsalted butter: Ensures perfect flavor.
  • Fresh pecans: Provide ideal crunch.
  • Light corn syrup: Creates smooth caramel.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances depth.
  • Powdered sugar: Makes tender shortbread.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crust Foundation:
Mix shortbread ingredients until perfectly crumbly.
Even Base:
Press dough firmly for uniform thickness.
Initial Baking:
Watch edges for light golden color.
Caramel Creation:
Heat sugar mixture to proper temperature.
Egg Integration:
Temper carefully to prevent scrambling.
Pecan Addition:
Distribute nuts evenly throughout filling.
Final Baking:
Monitor for perfect golden surface.
Cool Completely:
Allow proper setting time.
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The key to perfection lies in the careful tempering of the eggs with the warm caramel mixture. My family always gathers in the kitchen when these are baking, drawn by the irresistible aroma of butter and caramel.

Perfect Serving Ideas

Present these elegant bars on a vintage serving platter dusted with powdered sugar. For special occasions, create a dessert display by cutting them into different sizes - some larger squares for plated desserts, some smaller bites for passing. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel notes.

Creative Variations

Transform these bars by adding dark chocolate chips to the filling for a turtle-inspired treat. Experiment with different nuts - try a mixture of pecans and walnuts, or add toasted coconut for tropical flair. For holiday gatherings, spice up the shortbread base with cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive twist.

Storage Success

Maintain the perfect texture by storing your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to three months - they thaw beautifully and taste just as fresh.

Temperature Tips

While delicious at room temperature, try warming individual bars for 10 seconds in the microwave and topping with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. The slight warmth makes the caramel perfectly gooey while maintaining the crisp shortbread base.

Creating these Caramel Pecan Dream Bars has taught me that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable desserts. The interplay of textures - crisp shortbread, chewy caramel, and crunchy pecans - creates something truly special. Whether served at a fancy gathering or enjoyed with afternoon coffee, these bars never fail to bring smiles and requests for the recipe.

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Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make these bars ahead?
Yes, make up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Add caramel drizzle just before serving.
→ Why did my filling curdle?
Make sure to let the sugar mixture cool slightly and whisk constantly when adding to eggs to prevent curdling.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
→ Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce or omit the additional salt in the filling.
→ Why line the pan with parchment?
Parchment paper makes it easy to lift out the entire batch and get clean cuts when slicing.

Gooey Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Buttery shortbread bars topped with a gooey caramel pecan filling. The perfect blend of crunchy and chewy textures.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
45 minutes
Total Time Required
65 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 24 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

→ Crust

Contains 01 items 2 cups all-purpose flour
Contains 02 items 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Contains 03 items 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Filling

Contains 04 items 1 cup packed brown sugar
Contains 05 items 1/2 cup light corn syrup
Contains 06 items 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Contains 07 items 2 large eggs
Contains 08 items 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Contains 09 items 1/4 teaspoon salt
Contains 10 items 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

→ Topping

Contains 11 items Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into pan. Bake 15-18 minutes until edges are golden.

Step 03

Boil brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cool slightly. Whisk eggs, vanilla, and salt separately. Slowly combine mixtures, then stir in pecans.

Step 04

Pour filling over crust. Bake 25-30 minutes until set and golden.

Step 05

Cool completely. Remove using parchment, cut into bars. Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce.

Important Tips

  1. Use parchment paper for easy removal
  2. Let filling cool slightly before adding eggs
  3. Bars must cool completely before cutting

Essential Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Electric mixer or mixing bowls

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains nuts (pecans)
  • Contains wheat/gluten

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 220
  • Fat Amount: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein Amount: 2 g