Introduction to Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delicious. That’s why I absolutely adore these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a buttery crust that cradles a rich, gooey filling. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your family after a long day, these bars are a quick solution that never disappoints. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
These Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves dessert but is short on time. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of crunchy pecans and luscious caramel creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re easy to cut and serve, making dessert a breeze!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your buttery crust, giving it that perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps bind the crust together. You can use salted butter if you prefer a saltier flavor.
- Brown sugar: This sweetener brings a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the crust.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the caramel and sugar.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making these bars truly special.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener is essential for the filling, providing that classic sweetness we all love.
- Corn syrup: It gives the filling its gooey texture, ensuring that every bite is rich and satisfying.
- Eggs: These act as a binding agent, helping to set the filling as it bakes.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salted caramel sauce: This is the star of the show! It drizzles beautifully on top, adding that irresistible sweet and salty contrast.
For those looking to experiment, consider using dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra kick. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your bars might not set properly, and nobody wants a gooey mess!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. You want it to be crumbly but still hold together when pressed. This will create a buttery crust that’s simply irresistible!
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Next, press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Bake it for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be just right—not too dark, or it’ll taste burnt!
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The filling should be thick but pourable, ready to envelop those crunchy pecans!
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Once your crust is out of the oven, stir in the chopped pecans into the filling mixture. Pour this delicious concoction over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce on top, letting it swirl into the filling. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is essential for the filling to firm up. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch everyone enjoy these delightful treats!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother filling.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the bars set properly.
- For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts for a unique twist!
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish: A 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch dish works well; you can also use a parchment-lined pan for easy removal.
- Mixing bowls: A medium bowl for the crust and a larger one for the filling.
- Whisk: A simple whisk or fork will do for mixing the filling.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the bars neatly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best results.
Variations
- For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, decadent flavor.
- Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty taste.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter.
- Add a hint of spice by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for added indulgence.
- For drinks, consider a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea to complement the flavors.
- Present the bars on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of elegance.
FAQs about Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
As I’ve shared my love for these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars, I often get questions from fellow dessert enthusiasts. Here are some of the most common queries I’ve encountered:
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll taste just as delicious the next day!
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use maple syrup or honey. Both will add a unique flavor while keeping that gooey texture intact.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to three days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll stay good for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. This will help you achieve those perfect, neat squares!
Final Thoughts
Making these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in the kitchen. The joy of watching my family’s faces light up as they take that first bite is priceless. These bars are a delightful treat that brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, even on the busiest days! I hope you find as much happiness in making and sharing these bars as I do. Trust me, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your home!
Print
Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars You Can’t Resist!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel pecan pie bars with a buttery crust and a rich filling, perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt to form the crust.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and pour the mixture over the baked crust.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce on top.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve with extra caramel sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars, dessert, pecan pie, caramel dessert



