Heavenly Caramel Pecan Dream Bars Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Decadent layers of sweet, buttery caramel pecan dream bars promise pure indulgence.

These heavenly treats blend rich, golden caramel with crunchy pecans in a symphony of textures.

Nutty, caramelized notes dance across a crumbly base that melts in your mouth.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch that will leave you wanting more.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create an extraordinary dessert experience.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make these bars a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to be transported to dessert paradise with every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 17

Caramel Pecan Dream Bar Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation with delicate crumbly texture, choose unbleached for best flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender base with smooth consistency, select high-quality European-style butter for enhanced taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Delivers subtle sweetness and helps create delicate crumbly texture, ensure fresh and clump-free.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Brown Sugar: Creates deep, molasses-like caramel foundation, opt for dark brown sugar for richer flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious smoothness and helps achieve silky caramel consistency, select full-fat version.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps bind caramel elements, use room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to caramel, choose pure extract over artificial versions.
• Pecans: Introduces nutty crunch and earthy undertones, select fresh, whole pecans for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Elevates caramel's complexity and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• No additional ingredients needed for serving.

Tools You’ll Need for These Dream Bars

• 8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar shape and size.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Medium bowl: Needed for mixing the crust ingredients.
• Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the caramel pecan topping.
• Spatula: Helps spread the caramel mixture evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Knife: Used for cutting the bars into squares or rectangles.

Baking Caramel Pecan Bars Step by Step

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy bar removal.

• Create the Base

Blend flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of salt until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and bake until edges turn golden, about 15-18 minutes.

• Craft the Gooey Topping

In a saucepan, melt brown sugar, butter, and cream together over medium heat. Stir until silky smooth, letting the mixture bubble gently for a minute or two. Pull from heat and mix in vanilla, salt, and crunchy pecans.

• Layer the Deliciousness

Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading evenly so every bite has nutty goodness.

• Final Bake

Pop the pan back in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the topping becomes bubbly and rich golden brown.

• Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely. For clean cuts, chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Lift out using parchment paper and slice into delectable squares.

• Savor the Moment

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled and enjoy your sweet creation.

Ideas to Enhance Dream Bar Flavor

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the most tender crust texture.
• These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum convenience.
• Swap traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests without sacrificing flavor.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the caramel for deeper, more intense nutty flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Replace butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream to create a delicious alternative for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Tips for Caramel Pecan Treats

• Dessert Companion Pairings: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, nutty caramel bars.
• Beverage Bliss: Robust coffee or rich espresso perfectly balances the sweet caramel and pecan flavors.
• Presentation Perfection: Dust bars with powdered sugar or drizzle extra caramel sauce for an elegant touch that elevates the dessert's visual appeal.
• Gifting Delight: Package these bars in cute parchment paper or small gift boxes for a homemade treat that will impress friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

How to Keep Dream Bars Fresh

• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen bars stay delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Store bars in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep at cool room temperature for 2-3 days maximum to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Prepare bars up to 2 days before serving. Prepare base and topping separately, assemble just before baking to ensure crisp crust and fresh caramel consistency. Recommended for dinner parties and weekend gatherings.

FAQs

• Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

Yes, pecans are a key ingredient that provides crunch and nutty flavor. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely.

• How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel is ready when it turns smooth, bubbles gently, and reaches a golden brown color. Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually helps them set and develop richer flavors.

• What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Use unsalted, room temperature butter for the best texture and control over saltiness. Ensure it’s softened but not melted for the perfect crust consistency.

Irresistible Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Caramel Pecan Dream Bars blend rich, buttery layers of shortbread with golden caramel and toasted pecans. Delicate crumbles and sweet nutty notes create a memorable dessert that delights chocolate and pastry lovers alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (240 g/8 oz) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (240 g/8 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 g/4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (30 g/1 oz) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (57 g/2 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating slight overhangs for easy removal.
2. Create Crust: Blend flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt until achieving a sandy, cohesive texture. Press mixture evenly into the prepared pan, forming a compact base layer.
3. Initial Baking: Slide pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake until edges turn golden, approximately 15-18 minutes.
4. Craft Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid that bubbles gently.
5. Finish Caramel Topping: Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir until ingredients harmonize completely.
6. Final Baking: Pour caramel-pecan mixture over the slightly cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution. Return to oven and bake until topping bubbles and caramelizes to a rich golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance slicing precision. Use parchment paper handles to remove, then slice into elegant squares. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, revealing layers of buttery crust and nutty caramel perfection.

Notes

• Ensure Even Crust Texture: Press the crumbly base mixture firmly and uniformly to prevent uneven baking and create a stable foundation for the caramel layer.
• Monitor Caramel Carefully: Watch the caramel mixture closely while cooking to prevent burning; stir consistently and remove from heat once it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.
• Chop Pecans Strategically: Roughly chop pecans into similar-sized pieces to distribute them evenly and ensure consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to help set the caramel and make clean, precise cutting easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg