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Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a delightful treat combining a soft, buttery crust with a rich, caramel-pecan filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or simply a delicious homemade dessert to enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/3 cup soft margarine
  • 1 egg

For the Filling:

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bits o’ brickle baking chips (toffee bits)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

  • Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars.
  • Mix the Crust Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, soft margarine, and egg.
    • Use an electric mixer or a spatula to blend the ingredients until they form a soft dough.
  • Press the Dough:
    • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Ensure that the crust is spread evenly to the edges and corners of the dish.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  • Combine Sweetened Condensed Milk and Pecans:
    • In a medium mixing bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk.
    • Add the chopped pecans and bits o’ brickle baking chips.
    • Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Spread the Filling:
    • Pour the filling mixture over the prepared crust.
    • Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure that the filling covers the entire crust.

3. Bake the Bars:

  • Bake:
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.

4. Cool and Serve:

  • Cool:
    • Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cutting.
  • Cut and Serve:
    • Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
    • Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
    • Serve the bars as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Pecan Dream Bars:

  1. Chopping Pecans:
    • For an even distribution of pecans, chop them finely.
    • Larger pieces can be used for added texture if desired.
  2. Bits o’ Brickle Baking Chips:
    • These toffee bits add a delightful crunch and additional caramel flavor.
    • If you can’t find bits o’ brickle, you can use toffee bits or crushed toffee bars.
  3. Even Spreading:
    • Ensure that the crust and filling are spread evenly in the baking dish.
    • This ensures even baking and consistent flavor in every bite.
  4. Cooling Time:
    • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
    • Cooling also helps the flavors to meld together.
  5. Storage:
    • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
    • For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.
  6. Serving Suggestions:
    • These bars are delicious on their own but can also be served with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
    • For a more decadent dessert, serve with a scoop of ice cream.

Variations:

  1. Chocolate Chips:
    • Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
  2. Coconut:
    • Sprinkle shredded coconut over the filling before baking for a tropical twist.
  3. White Chocolate:
    • Use white chocolate chips instead of toffee bits for a different flavor profile.
  4. Fruit Additions:
    • Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the filling for added texture and sweetness.

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the richness of caramel, the crunch of pecans, and the soft, buttery crust of a yellow cake mix. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these bars can be whipped up in no time and enjoyed by all. So, give this recipe a try and indulge in the sweet, nutty goodness of Caramel Pecan Dream Bars!

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