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:
- Chopping Pecans:
- For an even distribution of pecans, chop them finely.
- Larger pieces can be used for added texture if desired.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cooling Time:
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- Cooling also helps the flavors to meld together.
- 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.
- 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:
- Chocolate Chips:
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Coconut:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the filling before baking for a tropical twist.
- White Chocolate:
- Use white chocolate chips instead of toffee bits for a different flavor profile.
- 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!