Caramel pecan dream bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth — rich, gooey, and irresistibly nutty. With layers of buttery crust, luscious caramel, and crunchy pecans, these bars are more than just dessert; they’re a slice of heaven in every bite. Curious what makes them so dreamy? Read on to uncover the secrets behind their melt-in-your-mouth magic.
| Servings: | 16 |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 35 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 bar |
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. I like to leave a bit of overhang on two sides for an easy lift once the bars are set.
- Make the base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps prevent clumps and distributes everything evenly.
- Create wet mixture: In another bowl, combine the melted butter and half of the brown sugar. Beat until velvety. Then add the egg and the vanilla extract and keep mixing until smooth and thickened slightly.
- Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. You’ll get a soft dough — not as sticky as cookie dough but just pliable enough to press easily.
- Prepare the crust: Press the dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Try not to press too hard so the base stays tender. Bake for 12 minutes, just until it sets but before it fully browns.
- Mix the topping: While the crust bakes, stir together the remaining brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut in a clean bowl. This mix smells like magic already.
- Assemble the bars: Once you pull the crust from the oven, gently pour the pecan mixture over the hot base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Take your time here so the mix sits flat and bakes evenly.
- Final bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 23 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling slightly — this is caramel goodness in the making.
- Cool completely: Remove the pan and let it rest on a cooling rack. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool really improves the texture and makes slicing clean and easy.
- Slice and serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment, transfer to a board, and use a sharp knife to slice into 16 squares. These are rich, so smaller bars go a long way.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 265 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 32 grams |
| Fat | 15 grams |
| Sugar | 21 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 68 milligrams |
Description
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are pure dessert bliss. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery base layered with golden caramel, crunchy toasted pecans, and just the right touch of sweetness to draw you back in for more. These bars are chewy and rich, like your favorite pecan pie met a gooey blondie and the two became best friends. The caramel seeps slightly into the shortbread-like crust, creating a just-barely-sticky bite that melts in your mouth.
The aroma alone is a warm hug — the smell of brown sugar and toasted nuts wafting through the kitchen feels like the holidays. Whether you’re baking these for a family gathering, your annual cookie swap, or just as a luxurious treat for yourself, these indulgent squares deliver major comfort in every bite. They are nostalgic in all the right ways and perfect for those who believe dessert should leave a lasting impression.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are beautiful in both versatility and ease. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to pull these off. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the process is straightforward while producing gourmet-level results. They are portable and slice cleanly, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or holiday trays.
Beyond the simplicity, the flavor profiles marry beautifully: the nutty crunch of pecans, the deep warmth of caramel, and the buttery richness of the base create a dessert that tastes like it took hours — but didn’t. You can even customize it slightly with add-ins like chocolate chips or a pinch of sea salt for a personal twist.
Serving and Storage Tips
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are best served at room temperature. After cooling completely, slice them into squares and store them in an airtight container.
For short-term storage, they keep well on the counter for up to 3 days. If you are planning ahead, refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap bars individually in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
These bars do not require reheating, but if you prefer them warm, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave brings the caramel to a soft and gooey texture.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Dessert, American, pecan bars, caramel bars, holiday baking, sweet treats, southern dessert
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: 1 bar
For a bolder flavor, toast the pecans before mixing them in. You can also sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top while the caramel is hot for a salted caramel finish.
FAQ
Can I skip the coconut?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut or have dietary restrictions, simply leave it out. The topping will still be rich and gooey with the condensed milk and pecans alone.
What is the best way to cut these without sticking?
Use a clean, sharp knife and wipe it with a warm damp cloth between cuts. You can even lightly spray the blade with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Watch the baking time closely — it may need an extra 5 to 10 minutes in the final step.
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Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the melted butter and half of the brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer. Bake for 12 minutes, just until set.
- While the crust bakes, stir together the remaining brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut in a clean bowl.
- Pour the pecan and caramel mixture over the warm crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 23 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
