Decadent Pecan Pie Dream Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Pecan Pie Dream Bars that combine the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the ease of bar cookies! Growing up, I couldn't resist the rich aroma that wafted from my neighbor's kitchen whenever she baked these scrumptious treats. Made with a simple yellow cake mix crust - no eggs necessary - these bars boast a gooey, caramel-like filling that harmonizes beautifully with crunchy pecans. An absolute staple for gatherings, holidays, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury yellow cake mix (Moist Deluxe)
1 (18 ounce) box (none)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
pecan halves
4 cups (none)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
white sugar
1/2 cup (none)
honey
1/2 cup (none)
butter
1 cup (unsalted)
cream
1/4 cup (heavy cream)
Instructions
1
Begin by greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and to ensure easy removal of the bars once baked. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the cake mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Pat the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a crust layer.
4
Evenly distribute the pecan halves over the cake mix crust, ensuring to cover the entire surface for that delicious pecan flavor in every bite.
5
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, honey, and 1 cup of butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
6
Once boiling, continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes without stirring. Be sure to monitor closely to avoid scorching.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the cream, mixing it well.
8
Pour the hot sugar mixture evenly over the pecan halves in the pan, allowing it to seep into the layers below.
9
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 22 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and lightly golden.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for serving.
Nutrition Information
11.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
0.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Pecan Pie Dream Bars?
They are a dessert that combines the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the ease of bar cookies, featuring a yellow cake mix crust and a gooey, caramel-like filling.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking pan, making sure to grease it to prevent sticking.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How is the crust made?
Combine one 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix with 1/4 cup of softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs, then pat it into the bottom of the pan.
Are eggs required for the crust?
No, this specific crust recipe is made without eggs.
What specific cake mix is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 18-ounce box of Pillsbury yellow cake mix (Moist Deluxe).
How many pecans are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of pecan halves.
When do I add the pecans to the pan?
Distribute the pecan halves evenly over the cake mix crust before pouring the sugar mixture on top.
What ingredients make up the sugar mixture?
The mixture consists of 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1 cup of unsalted butter.
How long should the sugar mixture boil?
Once it reaches a boil over medium heat, continue to cook it for an additional 3 minutes without stirring.
Should I stir the filling while it boils?
No, you should not stir the mixture during the 3-minute boiling period, though you should monitor it closely to avoid scorching.
When is the cream added to the filling?
The 1/4 cup of heavy cream should be stirred into the mixture after the saucepan has been removed from the heat.
How is the filling combined with the crust?
Pour the hot sugar mixture evenly over the pecan halves that are layered on top of the crust.
How long do the Pecan Pie Dream Bars bake?
They should bake for 17 to 22 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be bubbly and lightly golden in color.
Can I cut the bars as soon as they come out of the oven?
No, you must let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving has 11.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in these bars?
The protein content is quite low at 0.7g per serving.
What type of butter is used for the crust?
The crust uses 1/4 cup of softened butter.
What type of butter is used for the filling?
The filling calls for 1 cup of unsalted butter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe requires a total of 8 ingredients.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
What type of cream should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pecan pie bars, dessert, bar cookies, holiday desserts, and easy recipes.
What kind of flavor profile can I expect?
The bars have a rich, caramel-like flavor with crunchy pecans and a sweet cake-mix base.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, they are described as an absolute staple for gatherings and holidays.
What should I do if the sugar mixture starts to scorch?
Monitor the mixture closely while boiling for 3 minutes and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
What is the best way to serve these bars?
Once cooled completely, cut them into squares to serve at gatherings or as a sweet treat.