Indulge in these rich, decadent Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With layers of buttery crust, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and luscious chocolate, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients (Makes 16-20 bars)
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) 🧈
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Pecan Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans 🥜
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream 🥛
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for a glossy finish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Caramel Pecan Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Once it thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes), remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
3. Assemble the Bars
- Pour the caramel pecan mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
4. Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled caramel pecan layer.
- Allow the bars to set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Slice and Serve
- Once the bars are fully set, cut them into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate will make a big difference in flavor.
- Toast the Pecans: For extra crunch and flavor, toast the pecans in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F before adding them to the caramel.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them during the holidays, or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy every bite of this indulgent treat! 🍫✨🥜