Bars with caramel and pecans.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the softened butter and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough forms a crumbly consistency.
3. Press the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid, flat crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes a smooth caramel sauce. Be sure to stir it occasionally to keep it from burning.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The caramel should have a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the warm caramel mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be careful, as the caramel will be hot.
2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer, pressing them down slightly so they stick to the caramel.
3. (Optional) If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of the pecans for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness. You can also drizzle some more caramel over the top if you like a more decadent finish.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the caramel has set and the edges are slightly bubbly. The bars should be golden and firm to the touch.
2. Once done, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your caramel pecan bars are fully cooled, slice them into squares or bars and serve! These rich and gooey bars will melt in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of buttery caramel, crunchy pecans, and a soft, crumbly base.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Pecan Bars:

1. Toasting the Pecans: For even more flavor, consider toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the bars. This step intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
2. Use a Nonstick Pan: A nonstick baking pan can help prevent the caramel from sticking to the edges. Alternatively, lining your pan with parchment paper will make it easy to remove the bars after they’ve cooled.
3. Let the Bars Cool Completely: While it can be tempting to cut into the bars right away, allowing them to cool completely ensures that the caramel layer sets properly and doesn’t become too gooey.
4. Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Pecan Bars:

• Easy to make: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these bars are a breeze to put together.
• Decadent and rich: The combination of caramel and pecans creates a luxurious flavor that’s perfect for indulging.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, sprinkling sea salt on top, or even swapping the pecans for another nut like walnuts or almonds.
• Great for sharing: These bars make an excellent treat for gatherings, parties, or gift-giving, and they’re sure to impress.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re craving a rich dessert or looking to make something special for a special occasion, these bars with caramel and pecans are a surefire hit. With their perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and buttery goodness, they are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every bite of these decadent bars, and share them with friends and family for a treat they’ll remember!