Okay, friend, let’s chat! You know those days when you crave something sweet, comforting, and utterly satisfying, but the thought of making a whole pie just feels…exhausting? I get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Caramel Pecan Pie Bars. These bars have all the deliciousness of a classic pecan pie, but in an easier, more manageable form. Plus, that layer of caramel? Oh my goodness, it takes everything to a whole new level of yum!

My oldest, bless her heart, is my pickiest eater. So when she asked me to make them again, it became a comfort food WIN. These Caramel Pecan Pie Bars aren’t just dessert; they’re a little slice of cozy happiness, perfect for sharing (or not!) with your family. I’m Beatriz, and like you, I’m all about simple solutions that bring big smiles. If you’re a busy mom searching for a sanity-saving comfort food that everyone will love, let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible Caramel Pecan Pie Bars:

For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Caramel Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans

Trust me, this Caramel Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, or even better, raid your pantry and discover you already have everything you need.

No worries if you don’t have heavy cream for the caramel layer; I’ve used half-and-half in a pinch, and it still turns out delicious. It might not be quite as rich, but the flavor is still amazing. This Caramel Pecan Pie Bars recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated.

Here’s a Caramel Pecan Pie Bars comfort hack that changed our family’s dessert time: I buy pre-chopped pecans to save time! Yes, chopping your own might be slightly cheaper, but those extra minutes are precious. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the pecan filling, it enhances the flavors so well!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow comfort seekers, let’s get baking! These easy pecan pie bars are so simple. Follow the steps and you’ll be enjoying these Caramel Pecan Pie Bars in no time. Thinking about other delicious treats? For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out MommiesMore.

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
Press the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. You might need to use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to get it nice and smooth.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while it bakes!
Make the Caramel Layer: While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the caramel is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour Caramel: Pour the caramel layer evenly over the baked crust.
Make the Pecan Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Pour Filling: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the caramel layer.
Bake it All: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pecan filling is set and golden brown. Your Caramel Pecan Pie Bars should smell amazing by now!
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important for the caramel to set properly. Don’t worry if your Caramel Pecan Pie Bars looks a little wobbly when you take it out of the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
Enjoy: Cut, serve and enjoy your Caramel Pecan Pie Bars.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Caramel Pecan Pie Bars – learn from my experience! I always rushed the cooling process, and the caramel would be a gooey mess. Now, I make them the night before or in the morning, allowing ample time for them to set. While your Caramel Pecan Pie Bars is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Caramel Pecan Pie Bars usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including baking time. But honestly, most of that time is hands-off while the oven does its magic. I often use that time to catch up on emails or help the kids with their homework. I like to use Salted Caramel and Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars – Averie Cooks for inspiration.

How We Love to Eat This!

My family devours this comforting Caramel Pecan Pie Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess is the perfect complement to the warm, gooey bars. You can also cut them into smaller squares for a party or gathering, they’re always a hit!

This Caramel Pecan Pie Bars is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I often make a batch on Sunday afternoons, so we have a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week. They also pack well in lunchboxes (if they last that long!).

We also love these easy pecan pie bars during the holidays. They’re a great alternative to traditional pecan pie, especially when you’re feeding a crowd. I like to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel layer for a salted caramel pecan bars experience. It adds a wonderful contrast of flavors that everyone loves.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of chocolate chips to the crust before pouring on the caramel. My kids go absolutely crazy for chocolate pecan pie bars! Or, for a fall-inspired twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the pecan filling.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re also delicious straight from the fridge, especially on a hot summer day. When friends come over to visit, these Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are a sure hit every time.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions, so let’s get those answered! I’ve compiled some common questions that I received as a mom about Caramel Pecan Pie Bars recipe:

Is this Caramel Pecan Pie Bars really filling enough for growing kids?Absolutely! The combination of the crust, caramel, and pecan filling provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to keep those little bellies full and satisfied.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Caramel Pecan Pie Bars?Ah, the picky eater challenge! Try cutting the bars into fun shapes or serving them with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes, presentation is everything! You could also try sneaking in some finely chopped apples or pears into the pecan filling for extra nutrients.
Can I meal prep this Caramel Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeks ahead?Yes, you absolutely can! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?While pecans are the star of the show, you can definitely experiment with other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews would work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
What if I don’t have corn syrup?If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Just be aware that this will change the flavor of the pecan filling slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. Just be sure to check the label to make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
Why did my caramel turn out too hard?If your caramel turned out too hard, it means it was cooked for too long. Next time, be sure to remove the caramel from the heat as soon as it’s smooth and slightly thickened.
Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter?I prefer to use unsalted butter in this recipe so that I can control the amount of salt. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it. Just be sure to reduce the amount of salt that you add to the caramel layer and pecan filling.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?To prevent the crust from getting soggy, make sure to bake it until it’s lightly golden brown before adding the caramel and pecan fillings. This will create a barrier that prevents the fillings from soaking into the crust.

These Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are really something special. You can find inspiration for this recipe at Caramel Pecan Bars Are Easier Than Pie! – Pip and Ebby if you need it!

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Caramel Pecan Pie Bars

Okay, fellow mommas, I hope this recipe brings a little bit of comfort and joy to your busy lives. These Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of love, warmth, and connection. My goal is that this Caramel Pecan Pie Bars supports your family’s comfort food goals. For an even saltier kick, consider these Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars – Creme De La Crumb.

My Caramel Pecan Pie Bars Comfort Hacks:

Make the crust ahead of time: Prepare the crust the day before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on baking day.
Use pre-chopped pecans: Save yourself some time and effort by using pre-chopped pecans.
Don’t overbake: Be careful not to overbake the bars. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.

Here are some family-tested Caramel Pecan Pie Bars variations:

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add a layer of chocolate chips to the crust before pouring on the caramel.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel layer for a salty-sweet treat.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan filling for a boozy twist.

My husband prefers the salted caramel version, while my kids love the chocolate pecan pie bars. I personally enjoy the classic version with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! As busy mommas, it’s important to make it your own to make it easier!

I hope you enjoy making these satisfying Caramel Pecan Pie Bars as much as my family does! I wish you much success in your family mealtime.

Caramel Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel filling, and a generous topping of crunchy pecans. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family!

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Caramel Pecan Filling:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Make the Caramel Pecan Filling: While the crust is baking, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the baked crust.
Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans are toasted.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a richer caramel flavor, use salted butter in the filling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.