Description
Caramel Pecan Cream Bars are a dreamy dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and creamy layer of caramel and cream cheese, topped with crunchy pecans. The perfect combination of sweet, salty, and creamy, these bars will be your new favorite treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl it into the filling.
- Top with chopped pecans and a pinch of salt.
- Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pecans are golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a deeper caramel flavor, try using homemade caramel sauce.
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg