Caramel Pecan Delight Bars
Indulge in a heavenly blend of flavors with these Caramel Pecan Delight Bars. Inspired by classic pecan pie, these squares offer a perfect balance of texture and richness in bite-sized portions. The buttery crust serves as a delightful base, while the gooey, caramel-infused pecan filling is complemented by crunchy chopped pecans. These bars are perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a sweet treat any time of year. With precise baking suggestions, you can achieve perfect squares every time, ensuring everyone has a taste of this decadent dessert!
70
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
12 tablespoons (room temperature)
white sugar
1/2 cup
flour
3 cups
salt
1 teaspoon
melted butter
3 tablespoons
white sugar
1 1/2 cups
light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
eggs
4 (slightly beaten)
pecans
2 1/2 cups (chopped (about 12 ounces))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare your pan (either 9x13 or 10x15) by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal, or generously grease the pan to prevent sticking.
3
To make the crust, combine the softened butter, white sugar, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
Evenly spread the crumbly mixture in the prepared pan, using floured fingers to firmly pat it down into a smooth layer.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes (for 9x13) or 20-22 minutes (for 10x15), or until it turns light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6
While the crust is baking, pulse the pecans in a food processor until coarsely chopped and set aside.
7
In a medium saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, add the white sugar, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat.
8
Quickly stir in the light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and slightly beaten eggs until well combined. Make sure the mixture is warm but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs.
9
Fold the chopped pecans into the warm filling mixture.
10
Pour the warm pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return it to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 32-34 minutes (for 9x13) or 25-27 minutes (for 10x15). The filling should puff slightly, with only the very center appearing a bit wobbly.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. For easy cutting, chill in the freezer for a couple of hours before slicing into squares with a serrated knife.
12
For an extra twist, for Chocolate Pecan Squares, fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling before pouring it over the crust.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramel Pecan Delight Bars?
They are a decadent dessert inspired by classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery crust and a gooey, caramel-infused pecan filling.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 70 bite-sized bars.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What pan sizes can I use for this recipe?
You can use either a 9x13 inch pan or a 10x15 inch pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal or grease it generously to prevent sticking.
What are the ingredients for the crust?
The crust is made from 12 tablespoons of room temperature butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, 3 cups flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How do I mix the crust ingredients?
Mix the softened butter, sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
What is the best way to press the crust into the pan?
Use floured fingers to firmly pat the crumbly mixture into an even layer.
How long do I bake the crust in a 9x13 pan?
Bake the crust for 22-24 minutes until it is light golden brown.
How long do I bake the crust in a 10x15 pan?
Bake the crust for 20-22 minutes until it is light golden brown.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The 2 1/2 cups of pecans should be coarsely chopped, which can be done easily in a food processor.
What ingredients are needed for the filling?
The filling requires 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 1/2 cups white sugar, 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 4 slightly beaten eggs, and the chopped pecans.
How do I start making the caramel filling?
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat, then stir in the white sugar until dissolved.
When do I add the corn syrup and eggs?
After removing the butter and sugar mixture from the heat, quickly stir in the corn syrup, vanilla, and eggs.
What is a critical tip when adding eggs to the filling?
Ensure the butter and sugar mixture is warm but not hot to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
How do I combine the pecans with the filling?
Fold the chopped pecans directly into the warm filling mixture before pouring it over the crust.
How long do I bake the bars after adding the filling in a 9x13 pan?
Bake for 32-34 minutes.
How long do I bake the bars after adding the filling in a 10x15 pan?
Bake for 25-27 minutes.
How do I know when the Caramel Pecan Delight Bars are done?
The filling should puff slightly, and only the very center should appear a bit wobbly.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, you can fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling before baking to create Chocolate Pecan Squares.
How should I cool the bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them.
What is the secret to getting perfect squares?
Chill the baked bars in the freezer for a couple of hours before slicing.
What type of knife should I use for cutting?
A serrated knife is recommended for slicing the bars into clean squares.
What type of corn syrup is used?
This recipe specifically calls for light corn syrup.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What should the texture of the filling be?
The filling is gooey and caramel-infused with a crunch from the pecans.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, these bars are perfect for holiday celebrations and large gatherings.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe uses 4 eggs, which should be slightly beaten.
Can I use a food processor for the crust?
Yes, a mixing bowl or a stand mixer works well to achieve the coarse crumb texture.
How much flour is in the crust?
The crust contains 3 cups of flour.