Caramel Pecan Bars are the ultimateindulgence for lovers of caramel and pecans. These sweet, nutty barsare perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and adding a touch ofelegance to your dessert table.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the Crust:In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Prepare the Caramel Pecan Layer:In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, granulated sugar, and corn syrup together. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Caramel:Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes without stirring. It should become a rich golden caramel.
Add Pecans and Vanilla:Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pecan halves and vanilla extract until the pecans are well coated.
Pour Over the Crust:Pour the caramel pecan mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
Bake:Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the caramel is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Set:Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. The caramel will set as it cools.
Cut Into Bars:Once fully cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles.