Get ready, y’all, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild, flavor-packed ride with these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars! These epic, insane treats are the ultimate indulgence, guaranteed to make your taste buds explode with excitement. Prepare to experience a thrilling, mouth-watering fusion of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy, toasted pecans in every bite. This recipe is a true flavor sensation that will leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are an absolute game-changer in the dessert world. The combination of decadent chocolate, irresistible caramel, and the incredible crunch of toasted pecans is simply out of this world. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more, and more, and more! These bars are not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect treat to whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or just indulge in a little self-care, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling like a culinary legend.
Ingredients
To create these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients: a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and gooey caramel filling, a generous layer of chocolate, and a topping of crunchy, toasted pecans. The combination of these flavors and textures is simply out of this world and will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- 1 1/2 cups (187g) – All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) – Granulated sugar
- 1 can (14oz) – Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (200g) – Light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter
- 2 cups (340g) – Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) – Toasted pecans, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pecans: Swap them out for almonds or walnuts (if you prefer a different nut or have an allergy)
- Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet (to suit your taste preferences)
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the shortbread crust ingredients: flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool completely.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a rich, gooey caramel, about 5-7 minutes. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread crust and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top, pressing them down gently to help them adhere.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Refrigerate the Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set and the caramel is firm. This is the hardest part, y’all, but trust me, the wait is worth it!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Salted Caramel Twist: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel filling for a delightful salted caramel flavor.
- Nut Variations: Try using almonds or walnuts instead of pecans to find your perfect flavor combo.
- Extra Chocolate Drizzle: For an over-the-top indulgence, drizzle the bars with an extra layer of melted chocolate or caramel before serving.
- Chilled Perfection: These bars are best served straight from the fridge, so they maintain that delightful contrast of crunchy, chewy, and gooey.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Storage: Store any leftover Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheat: You can enjoy these bars chilled straight from the fridge, or you can warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and caramel.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
While these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars may be a bit indulgent, they’re worth every single calorie. Each serving provides a delightful balance of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, making it the perfect sweet treat to enjoy in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 43 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pecans for your nut of choice, such as almonds or walnuts.
How can I make these bars extra gooey?
For an even gooier caramel filling, try increasing the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the recipe.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I get perfectly clean, straight cuts?
To get clean, straight cuts, make sure to chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the best results.
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Print
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and salt.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
5. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top before serving.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate, caramel, pecan, dessert, bars