Caramel Butter Pecan Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together some of the best flavors—caramel, butter, pecans, and chocolate—in one easy-to-make dessert. The combination of a soft, buttery crust, crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and creamy chocolate creates a satisfying contrast in every bite. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, these caramel butter pecan bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3⁄4 cup cold butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 (12-ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping, warmed
• 1 (11 1/2-ounce) package milk chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan to form the base.
3. Add Pecans and Caramel: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the crust. Drizzle the warmed caramel ice cream topping over the pecans, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the crust is lightly golden.
5. Add Chocolate: Once baked, remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly. After about 5 minutes, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the caramel-pecan layer. Allow the chocolate chips to soften, then spread them over the caramel layer using a spatula.
6. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool for at least 6 hours at room temperature, or until the chocolate has set. (Note: Chilling the bars may cause the chocolate to appear dull.) Once cooled, cut them into bars and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 bars (depending on size)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Bake time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling time: 6 hours
• Total time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and substitute with any other nuts of your choice, or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
• Dark Chocolate: Swap the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: For extra caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel topping over the bars after the chocolate has set.

Storage/Reheating

• Store these caramel butter pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but using salted butter will change the overall flavor slightly. If you use salted butter, consider reducing the amount of salt added in the recipe.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, they are perfect for making ahead of time. They need several hours to cool and set, so they’re a great make-ahead treat.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give the bars a deeper, less sweet flavor, which pairs nicely with the caramel and pecans.

What if I don’t have a 13×9 pan?

You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan, but the baking time may change. Just watch for the caramel to become bubbly and the crust to golden slightly.

Can I add more nuts?

Definitely! You can increase the amount of pecans or even try other nuts like walnuts or almonds if desired.

Conclusion

These Easy Caramel Butter Pecan Bars are an indulgent treat with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery crust, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and silky chocolate make for a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a homemade treat, these bars are sure to be a hit!

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