Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Today, we’re diving into the world of ooey-gooey goodness with these mouthwatering Caramel Pecan Bars. They’re the perfect combo of buttery crust, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans, making them an absolute must-try. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Ingredients

Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Topping:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- A pinch of sea salt (optional)

So, we’ve got a super simple lineup here! We’re using all-purpose flour for our crust, but feel free to swap it out with your preferred flour. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-y flavor, while unsalted butter provides that buttery goodness we all crave. For the caramel, we’re using a combo of butter, brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream to create that gooey, rich texture. And of course, we can’t forget the star of the show: pecan halves!

Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Crust time! In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until you get a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
While the crust bakes, let’s make the caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the caramel evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle the pecan halves on top. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve!

Storage

These delightful Caramel Pecan Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but make sure they’re well covered to prevent them from drying out.

Variations & Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
In place of pecans, you can use walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor profile.
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of decadence.
If you’re not a fan of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or corn syrup.

So, there you have it, folks! These Caramel Pecan Bars are a surefire way to impress your friends and family with a homemade dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make. Enjoy!

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