Caramel Pecan Pie Bars

Servings

16 bars

Prep Time

20 minutes

Bake Time

40 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Caramel Filling

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup honey or corn syrup

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups pecan halves

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Garnish

• Caramel sauce drizzle

• Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix butter, sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly.

4. Press evenly into the prepared pan.

5. Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Stir in brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream.

3. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes.

4. Remove from heat.

5. Stir in vanilla, pecans, and sea salt.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.

2. Spread evenly with a spatula.

3. Arrange additional pecan halves on top if desired.

Step 4: Bake Again

1. Return the pan to the oven.

2. Bake for 20–22 minutes until bubbling and caramelized.

3. Remove and cool completely.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

1. Refrigerate for 1 hour for clean cuts.

2. Lift from the pan using the parchment paper.

3. Slice into squares or bars.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Bar)

• Calories: 385 kcal

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 27 g

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Sugar: 21 g

• Fiber: 2 g

Chef's Tips

• Toast the pecans for 5 minutes before adding them to the filling for deeper flavor.

• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent the caramel from running.

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the sweet caramel notes.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• These bars freeze well for up to 2 months.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Pecan Pie Bars deliver everything people love about classic pecan pie in an easy-to-serve handheld dessert. A buttery shortbread crust supports a rich, gooey caramel filling loaded with toasted pecans. Each bite combines crunch, sweetness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making these bars perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, dessert tables, or an indulgent afternoon treat.