Chewy Caramel Pecan Diamonds
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 32 cookie diamonds
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Fruit, Nuts, < 60 Mins, Oven
Description:
Indulge in these rich and irresistible Chewy Caramel Pecan Diamonds. Featuring a buttery, shortbread-like base topped with a gooey caramel and pecan topping, these little treats are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and nutty. Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a decadent snack, they offer a delightful chewiness with every bite. Simple to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter (cold, cut into chunks) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Light brown sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Light corn syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Pecans (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1/2 cup |
| Caramels | 8 oz (about 2-3 pieces) |
| Heavy whipping cream (for caramel) | 2-3 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 279.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 17.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 21.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 103.7 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 30.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 19 g |
| Protein Content | 2.4 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the pan: Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving about a 1-inch overhang on all sides. Grease or butter the foil to ensure easy removal after baking.
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Make the base dough: In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Pulse for a few seconds to blend the dry ingredients. Add the cold butter (cut into chunks), and process until the mixture begins to form small clumps. The dough should be slightly crumbly but able to hold together when pressed.
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Press the dough into the pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and press it down evenly with your hands or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, uniform layer.
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Bake the base: Place the pan in the oven and bake the dough for about 25 minutes, or until it turns light golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.
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Lower the oven temperature: After removing the base from the oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) for the next baking stage.
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Make the topping: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of butter. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves completely. Let it boil for about 1 minute.
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Add the cream and pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans and heavy whipping cream. Continue boiling for another 3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
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Assemble the bars: Pour the warm pecan caramel mixture over the partially cooled shortbread base. Spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
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Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The topping should bubble and darken slightly, becoming thick and glossy.
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Cool completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let it cool completely in the pan to allow the topping to harden and set.
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Prepare the caramel drizzle: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the caramels with 2-3 teaspoons of whipping cream. Stir until the caramel is smooth and pourable.
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Drizzle the caramel: Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the melted caramel over the pecan topping, ensuring even coverage.
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Cut into diamonds: Carefully lift the foil out of the pan, holding it by the overhang, and transfer the bars onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the cooled dessert into 1-1/2 x 1-inch diamond shapes.
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Storage: Store the Chewy Caramel Pecan Diamonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They make a delightful treat for guests or a sweet pick-me-up for yourself!
These Chewy Caramel Pecan Diamonds are an irresistible combination of melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, chewy caramel, and crunchy pecans, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served at a family gathering, as an after-dinner indulgence, or simply as a snack with a cup of coffee, they are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
