Caramel Pecan Dream Bars Recipe

These Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are truly dreamy and a delightful discovery from The Recipe Tin Project. They come together in just five minutes and rely on simple kitchen shortcuts, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their sticky, sweet, and toffee-flavored filling, it’s easy to see why Emily decided to share this recipe with the world. Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible bars!

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, soft margarine, and egg. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Make Filling: In another bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, chopped pecans, and bits o’ Brickle baking chips.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling mixture over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Spread it evenly.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy these decadent Caramel Pecan Dream Bars as a delightful treat!

Notes:

• These bars are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet indulgence any time of the day.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extra toppings such as chocolate chips or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Perfect Caramel Pecan Dream Bars:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cake mix, pecans, and baking chips, for the best flavor and texture in your bars.
2. Properly Prepare the Crust: Ensure the crust mixture is well-combined and evenly pressed into the bottom of the baking pan to create a sturdy base for the filling.
3. Evenly Spread the Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the crust to ensure every bite is filled with delicious caramel, pecans, and toffee flavor.
4. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bars while baking to prevent overcooking. They are ready when the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
5. Allow to Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from falling apart.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in the crust if you prefer. Just make sure it is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.

Q: Can I use other types of nuts in place of pecans?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead of pecans for a different flavor profile.

Q: Where can I find bits o’ Brickle baking chips?
A: Bits o’ Brickle baking chips can usually be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with toffee bits or chopped Heath bars.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.