Description
These easy-to-make dessert bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey caramel layer, and a crunchy topping of toasted pecans and chocolate chips. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves, chopped
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup butter, light brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until butter melts and mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Pour hot caramel over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel, then sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes until edges are bubbly and golden.
- Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
- Lift bars out of the pan using parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars. Dust with sea salt if desired.
Notes
Toast raw pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes for deeper flavor. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Do not cut bars while warm as the caramel will ooze. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1 of 12)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: pecan bars, caramel bars, dessert bars, party dessert, make ahead dessert, easy baking, pecan dessert, chocolate pecan bars