Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey.

A delightful mashup between a cookie and candy, these bars feature a buttery brown sugar shortbread crust, gooey caramel loaded with pecans, and a smooth layer of milk chocolate.

Ideal for holiday dessert spreads, celebrations, or a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is both indulgent and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into large pieces

1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

For the Topping

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper, lightly greased.

Using a stand or hand mixer, combine butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly.

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.

Bake for 15 minutes. Begin preparing the caramel sauce during the last 5 minutes of bake time.

Make the Caramel Layer:

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, cream, and salt. Stir occasionally and simmer for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the baked crust.

Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the pecans. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the caramel is gently bubbling.

Add the Chocolate Layer:

Place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm caramel layer. Let sit for 5 minutes until softened.

Gently spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula. Be careful not to press too hard and disturb the caramel layer.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving. For best texture, serve at room temperature.

Store tightly covered at cool room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Rich, decadent, and perfectly balanced, these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars are sure to become a crowd favorite.

Whether you’re preparing them for a party, holiday gathering, or simply to treat yourself, their gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate layer will not disappoint.

Serve them alongside Maple Pecan Pie Bars for a nutty dessert duo that’s unforgettable!

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars Recipe