Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars

Name: Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Crust:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ¼ cup granulated sugar; A pinch of salt; For the Filling:; 1 cup corn syrup; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups pecans (chopped); 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); For the Topping:; More salted caramel sauce for drizzling; Sea salt for sprinkling

You know that moment when you bite into something so delicious that you can’t help but make that mmm sound? Yeah, that’s exactly what happens when you sink your teeth into these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars. Seriously, they’re a game changer! The gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and buttery crust create a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance. So let’s get right into it—who’s hungry? 🥳

Why You’ll Love These Bars

First off, let me just say that these bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty. They’re a delightful twist on classic pecan pie, kind of like how high-waisted jeans are a delightful twist on… well, I’ll let you decide that one. But here’s why I keep coming back to these bars:

Easy to Make: You won’t need to be a master chef for this one, I promise!
Perfect for Sharing: Bring these to parties, and you’ll be everyone’s favorite (it’s basically like a superpower).
Make- ahead Friendly: You can whip these up in advance and store them—if you can resist eating the whole pan before they even hit the fridge.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Alright, before we roll up our sleeves, let’s talk about the essentials you’ll need. Here’s your shopping list:

Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
¼ cup granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
Filling:
1 cup corn syrup
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecans (chopped)
1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Topping:
More salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Sea salt for sprinkling (a little goes a long way!)

Got all that? Good. Let’s get baking! 🍰

Creating the Magical Crust

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Seriously, don’t skip this step—your bars will thank you later when they’re evenly baked and not a gooey mess.

Step 2: Mix Your Crust Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Now get in there and mix it like you’re a DJ at a party. You want a crumbly, cohesive dough. Not too wet, not too dry—just like that metaphorical Goldilocks porridge.

Step 3: Press into the Pan

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper (pro tip: it makes your life so much easier later). Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. After that, pop it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden brown.

Crafting the Filling

You know those moments in life when you feel like you’re winning? This is one of those moments. Here’s why: we’re making the filling!

Step 1: Whisk Away!

In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Doesn’t it just look delicious already?

Step 2: Add Those Pecans

Next up, toss in the chopped pecans and half of that gloriously sticky salted caramel sauce. Seriously, at this point, you might want to take a quick taste test. Just to make sure it’s okay. You know, for quality control. 😏

Bringing It All Together

Step 1: Pour and Bake

Take that crust out of the oven and pour the pecan mixture directly onto the warm crust. It’s like a pecan beach party on a buttery desert island—just imagine it! Bake these bad boys for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want the edges to look set, but the center can still have a slight jiggle (cue the dance moves).

Step 2: Cool Down

Once they’re done, let them cool at room temperature. I know, I know. Patience is a virtue, but trust me, you don’t want to burn your mouth. After about an hour, transfer them to the fridge to chill for another hour (or all night if you can wait that long).

Garnish Like a Pro

Step 1: Final Touches

Once the bars are chilled and set, drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top. Seriously, pour it on with reckless abandon—it’s a gooey masterpiece waiting to happen. Then sprinkle with sea salt, because life’s too short to skip the salt—especially when caramel is involved!

Slice, Serve & Enjoy!

Using a sharp knife, cut these dudes into squares. You’ll find it’s way easier if you’ve lined the pan with parchment paper (seriously, have I mentioned how much I love that move?). If you want to make these bars even more Insta-worthy, you can garnish with extra pecans or a dollop of whipped cream. YUM.

Tips for Perfect Bars

Storage: Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week… if they last that long.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to swap in different nuts or even add chocolate chips if you’re feeling rebellious.
All About Timing: If you find the edges are browning too fast, cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for prepping in advance. Just store them in the fridge, and you’ll be the star of the next gathering.

What’s the best way to cut them?

Hold your horses! Make sure to use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. Nobody wants caramel smudges on their perfect slices, right?

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Life is too short to not take the easy route sometimes. Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly!

Conclusion

So there you have it: Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars that’ll have your friends begging for more and your heart doing little happy dances. They’re easy, they’re delicious, and they’re sure to impress. Don’t forget to share (or not, no judgment here). Now go forth and bake! 🍪💖

Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a Friday night treat, you can’t go wrong with these. And if you don’t feel like sharing (I mean, who would?), I won’t tell anybody! Enjoy your delicious creation!