If you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert that’s both sweet and satisfying, our Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are sure to hit the spot. These indulgent bars feature a buttery cake mix crust, a gooey caramel filling, and crunchy pecans, all topped with rich toffee bits. Perfect for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these bars are a true delight. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible dream bars from scratch!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup soft margarine (or unsalted butter)
- 1 large 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
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, soft margarine, and egg. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until it starts to set but is not fully cooked. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- While the crust is baking, in a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chopped pecans, and toffee bits. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the caramel filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel filling before baking.
- Serving: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Our Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors with a buttery, toffee-topped finish. These bars are sure to become a beloved recipe in your dessert repertoire, whether for a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or a simple treat at home.
We’d love to see how your dream bars turn out! Share your baking results in the comments or tag us on social media with your delicious creation.