Decadent Chocolate Pecan Caramel Bars

If you’re a fan of rich, buttery desserts, these Chocolate Pecan Caramel Bars will quickly become your go-to treat. With a crumbly shortbread crust, gooey caramel filling, and a luscious chocolate topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight treat, they’re sure to impress.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Caramel Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions to Make Chocolate Pecan Caramel Bars

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to easily lift the bars out later.

Prepare the Crust

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Caramel Filling

5. While the crust is baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
6. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
7. Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the pecan halves until fully coated.

Assemble and Bake

8. Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
9. Bake the bars for an additional 12-15 minutes until the caramel is bubbling and the pecans are toasted. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.

Add the Chocolate Topping

10. Once cooled, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
11. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer.

Cool and Serve

12. Let the bars sit until the chocolate has set. Once fully cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
• Serving Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 320 per serving
• Servings: 24 bars

Enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in every bite of these decadent bars!