Here’s a recipe for Caramel Pecan Dream Bars — a rich, chewy, layered dessert bar that combines a buttery crust, gooey caramel filling, and toasted pecans. Perfect for holidays or any time you want to impress with minimal effort!
🍯 Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
🧁 Yields: 16 bars
⏰ Prep Time: 20 mins | Bake Time: 30–35 mins | Cooling Time: 1 hour
✨ Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup packed light brown sugar
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¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
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2 large eggs
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup chopped pecans (toast them for extra flavor!)
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½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade – thick, not too runny)
🥣 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Grease lightly.
2. Make the Crust
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In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
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Add the flour and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
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Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Do not overbake.
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Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling
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In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy.
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Add brown sugar and vanilla. Whisk to combine.
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Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
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Fold in chopped pecans.
4. Assemble the Bars
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Drizzle or spoon caramel sauce evenly over the warm crust.
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Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to spread evenly.
5. Bake Again
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Return to oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the filling is golden and set (a slight jiggle in the center is okay—it will firm up).
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Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
6. Chill and Slice
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For clean cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes before slicing.
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Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Drizzle extra caramel sauce or melted chocolate on top for decadence.
🔁 Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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These bars also freeze well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
📝 Tips & Variations
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Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-rich flavor.
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Add chocolate chips to the filling for a Turtle bar twist.
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Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
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Make it extra gooey by using a salted caramel sauce.