Caramel Pecan Bars ๐ช
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 36 bars
Calories per serving: 170.8
Description
These delightful Caramel Pecan Bars are not just a Christmas treat in my householdโthey’re a year-round hit! With a buttery oat base, a luscious caramel topping, and crunchy pecans sprinkled throughout, each bite is a burst of sweet, nutty goodness that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing these at a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home too! ๐
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 25 caramels (unwrapped)
- 1/4 cup butter (for the topping)
Instructions
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 13″ x 9″ cake pan. | – |
| 2 | In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and oats for the base. | – |
| 3 | Cut in 1/2 cup of butter until the mixture is crumbly. | – |
| 4 | Stir in 1 egg and the chopped pecans, mixing everything well. | – |
| 5 | Set aside 1 1/2 cups of this crumb mixture for later. | – |
| 6 | Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly onto the bottom of the greased cake pan. | – |
| 7 | Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. | 15 minutes |
| 8 | While the crust bakes, prepare the caramel topping. | – |
| 9 | In a saucepan on low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, unwrapped caramels, and 1/4 cup of butter for the topping. | – |
| 10 | Stir the mixture constantly until everything is smoothly melted and combined. | – |
| 11 | Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven. | – |
| 12 | Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. | – |
| 13 | Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the caramel layer. | – |
| 14 | Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. | 20-25 minutes |
| 15 | Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. | – |
| 16 | Once cooled, cut into squares or bars as desired. | – |
Serving Tips
These Caramel Pecan Bars are best enjoyed when fully cooled, allowing the caramel to set beautifully. Serve them as a sweet indulgence alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of day. They also make lovely gifts when wrapped in pretty packaging, perfect for sharing the joy of homemade treats with friends and family during the holiday season! โจ
Recipe Notes
- Storing: Keep any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Variations: Feel free to customize these bars to your liking! Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist, or mix in some chocolate chips to the caramel layer for extra indulgence. You can also swap out the pecans for your favorite nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 170.8
- Fat: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 21.6mg
- Sodium: 67.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 23.7g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 17.2g
- Protein: 2.8g
These Caramel Pecan Bars are a wonderful blend of buttery, sweet, and nutty flavors that are guaranteed to impress your taste buds! Whether you’re baking up a batch for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, these bars are the perfect indulgence. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade bliss! ๐
