Easy Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: A Chewy, Buttery Delight for Any Occasion
Prepare to fall head over heels for these truly irresistible salted caramel pecan bars! This recipe brings together everything you crave in a decadent dessert: a delightfully buttery, crumbly shortbread crust, a luscious and chewy homemade caramel filling, and a generous scattering of perfectly crunchy pecans. Forget the complexity of traditional pecan pie; these bars offer all the rich, nutty, and sweet flavors you adore, but in a much simpler, more approachable, and incredibly satisfying bar form. They are an absolute showstopper and make the perfect impressive treat for any holiday gathering, family dinner, or simply when you’re yearning for a truly special homemade dessert.
These delightful pecan squares are a true marvel of flavor and texture. The tender, sweet shortbread crust forms the perfect foundation for an unbelievably rich, gooey caramel pecan topping. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of crisp, chewy, and tender, making them an instant favorite. In fact, they were such a hit that they inspired us to create our equally beloved caramel apple bars!
What truly sets these salted caramel pecan bars apart is their incredible ease of preparation. With a straightforward list of simple ingredients and no need to fuss with a delicate pie crust or laborious dough rolling, they present an effortless yet undeniably impressive dessert option. They are the ideal choice for enhancing your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion with a touch of homemade elegance. Their portability also makes them fantastic for potlucks or as a delightful gift for friends and family, ensuring they’ll be a highlight of any dessert table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Adore These Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
These salted caramel pecan bars aren’t just another dessert; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. From their ease of preparation to their incredible flavor profile, there are countless reasons why they’ll quickly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. Here’s what makes them truly special:
- Effortless Elegance: Unlike the sometimes intimidating task of baking a full pecan pie, these bars offer a significantly simpler approach. Much like our popular pecan pie brownies, they capture all the classic, comforting flavors you love without the fuss of rolling dough or perfecting a pie crust. You get all the indulgence with half the effort, making them a perfect choice for busy bakers or anyone seeking a stress-free dessert.
- A Masterpiece of Texture and Taste: Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite journey! Each bite of these bars delivers a sensational interplay of textures and rich flavors. The foundation is a tender, crumbly, and wonderfully buttery shortbread crust that practically melts in your mouth. Layered generously on top is an impossibly chewy, deeply flavored caramel that holds just the right amount of delightful chewiness. Scattered throughout this golden caramel are plenty of crisp, nutty pecans, adding an essential crunch and earthy depth that beautifully balances the sweetness. It’s a symphony for the senses!
- Crafted from Pantry Staples: You don’t need to hunt for obscure or exotic ingredients to create these over-the-top delicious bars. This recipe thoughtfully uses common, accessible pantry ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor can be achieved with simplicity. The magic truly unfolds as these humble ingredients transform through careful preparation, yielding a dessert that tastes far more complex than its component parts.
- Versatile for Every Occasion: While these bars are an absolute showstopper during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, their appeal isn’t limited to festive seasons. They are remarkably versatile and make a fantastic year-round dessert. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at a casual family gathering, or simply enjoying them as an indulgent treat with your afternoon coffee, they fit every bill. Their convenient bar format also makes them easy to transport and serve, perfect for any event.
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
The success of these salted caramel pecan bars lies in understanding and utilizing each ingredient effectively. Here’s a detailed guide to what you’ll need and how to make smart substitutions if necessary:
Heavy Cream: This is absolutely essential for the caramel layer and cannot be substituted with lower-fat alternatives like half-and-half, light cream, or milk. The high fat content of heavy cream is crucial for two main reasons: it helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing during the caramel-making process, ensuring a smooth result, and it contributes significantly to the rich, luxurious, and wonderfully chewy texture that defines our caramel. Using anything less will compromise the final product.
Pecans: For optimal distribution and a perfect bite in every square, chopped pecans are the preferred choice. They integrate seamlessly into the caramel, ensuring an even nuttiness throughout. If you only have pecan halves, simply give them a quick chop to achieve smaller, more uniform pieces. For those who aren’t keen on pecans or want to experiment with different flavors, this recipe is quite forgiving. You can successfully substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, sliced almonds, or even pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a unique twist. A combination of nuts can also add an intriguing depth of flavor and texture.
Honey: Beyond adding a delicate, complementary flavor to the caramel and pecans, honey plays a vital role in the texture of these bars. It acts as an invert sugar, which helps prevent sugar crystallization in the caramel and contributes to the soft, pliable, and wonderfully chewy consistency we’re aiming for. If you don’t have honey on hand, fear not! Agave nectar or corn syrup can be used as direct, effective substitutes, providing similar anti-crystallization and texture-enhancing benefits.
Unsalted Butter: Good quality butter is fundamental to both the rich shortbread crust and the creamy caramel. By using unsalted butter, you gain precise control over the overall saltiness of your dessert. For the shortbread, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, allowing it to cream beautifully with the sugar and incorporate air, resulting in a tender crust. In the caramel, butter adds essential richness, flavor, and contributes to the smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour forms the structure of our buttery shortbread crust and also plays a clever role in the pecan topping. When measuring flour, absolute accuracy is crucial. Always use the “spoon-and-level” method (fluffing the flour, spooning it into the measuring cup, and leveling it off) or, ideally, weigh your flour with a kitchen scale. Too much flour can lead to a dry, dense crust. A small amount of flour is also tossed with the pecans before they meet the caramel; this subtle coating helps suspend the nuts evenly throughout the caramel layer, preventing them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Granulated Sugar & Fine Sea Salt: These ubiquitous baking ingredients are indispensable for both sweetness and flavor balance. Granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness and structural integrity for both the crust and the caramel. Fine sea salt is strategically incorporated into both the shortbread and the pecan mixture, enhancing all the other flavors and contributing to that desirable “salted” aspect of our caramel. And don’t forget that final sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking – it’s a critical textural and flavor contrast that truly elevates these bars!
For precise quantities and a comprehensive breakdown of all ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this article.
Easy Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Creating these delightful salted caramel pecan bars is a remarkably enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of perfectly baked, utterly delicious treats.
Step 1: Prepare the Buttery Shortbread Base. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a wonderfully light, fluffy, and pale consistency. This thorough creaming is key to incorporating air, which yields a tender and delicate shortbread crust.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients for the Crust. Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to the creamed butter mixture. Continue to mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and the mixture takes on a distinctly crumbly texture, resembling coarse sand or small pea-sized pieces. It’s important to avoid overmixing at this stage, as overworking the flour can result in a tough, unappealing shortbread crust.
Step 3: Press and Pre-Bake the Shortbread Crust. Carefully transfer the crumbly shortbread mixture into your prepared 8×8 baking pan (which should be lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang). Using the back of a flat-bottomed measuring cup or your clean fingers, firmly and evenly press the mixture across the bottom of the pan to create a compact and uniform layer. Bake this shortbread crust in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly crisp and lightly baked. Set the crust aside to cool slightly while you move on to the next step.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping. In a separate, large, and heat-proof mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, one tablespoon of all-purpose flour, a dash of salt, and vanilla extract. Toss all these ingredients together thoroughly until the pecans are lightly coated with the flour mixture. This simple coating trick is important as it helps prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom of the caramel, ensuring they are beautifully dispersed throughout your topping. Set this bowl aside, ready for the warm caramel.
Step 5: Cook the Irresistible Salted Caramel. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (essential for even heat distribution and preventing scorching), combine the heavy cream, butter, granulated sugar, and honey. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring consistently with a heat-proof spatula or whisk. Continue cooking for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel transforms into a rich, deep golden brown color, much like an aged copper penny. While a candy thermometer can offer precision (aim for 245-250°F / 118-121°C for a chewy, soft-ball caramel), the most reliable indicator is often the visual cue of that perfect golden hue. Stove temperatures vary, so trust your eyes and the caramel’s color development! Once this stage is reached, immediately remove the pot from the heat.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake to Perfection. Working quickly and with extreme caution (the caramel is very hot!), immediately pour the freshly cooked caramel into the bowl containing the prepared pecans. Toss everything together vigorously and swiftly until all the pecans are thoroughly coated in the rich, sticky caramel. Without delay, pour this warm caramel-pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust in your prepared pan. Use a heat-resistant spatula to gently spread and push the mixture, ensuring it forms a uniform layer across the entire surface of the crust. Don’t worry if the very edges or corners appear slightly bare; the caramel will naturally spread and fill these areas during the final baking stage. Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the surface of the caramel is covered in tiny, delicate bubbles and the edges have deepened to a rich, golden brown. This indicates the caramel has set beautifully. As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, generously sprinkle the top of these exquisite bars with flaky sea salt. This final touch provides a crucial salty contrast that brightens and enhances the caramel’s sweetness. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for several hours before attempting to slice them. Patience is key for clean cuts!
Pro Tips for Baking Success
Even with a straightforward recipe, a few insider tips can elevate your salted caramel pecan bars from good to absolutely phenomenal. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results:
Invest in a Kitchen Scale. This is, without a doubt, my number one baking tip for consistent and professional results. Measuring ingredients, especially flour, by weight rather than by volume (cups) is significantly more accurate. Even a small amount of extra flour can drastically change the texture of your shortbread crust, making it dry or tough. A simple digital kitchen scale is an affordable tool that will dramatically improve your baking precision and the overall success of your recipes.
Always Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper. This step is non-negotiable for anyone who wants to avoid a sticky mess and ensure easy removal of your delicious bars. The caramel layer is inherently gooey and sticky. If you don’t use parchment paper, especially with a generous overhang on two sides, removing the cooled bars from the pan will be incredibly challenging, if not impossible. The parchment paper creates a convenient sling, allowing you to lift the entire slab out of the pan effortlessly before slicing.
Closely Monitor Your Caramel. Making caramel demands your full attention. Stove temperatures and pot types can cause cooking times to vary widely, so don’t rely solely on a timer. Instead, actively watch for the caramel to achieve a rich, deep golden brown color, reminiscent of a copper penny or dark maple syrup. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for a temperature between 245-250°F (118-121°C), which corresponds to the “soft ball” stage, ensuring a perfectly chewy caramel. Undercooked caramel will be too runny, while overcooked caramel will become hard and brittle. A heavy-bottomed pot is also crucial for even heating and preventing scorching.
Patience is a Virtue: Cool Completely Before Slicing. This might be the hardest tip to follow, but it is absolutely critical for achieving clean, neat slices. Allow the bars ample time to cool and set completely, ideally for several hours at room temperature, or even accelerate the process by chilling them in the refrigerator for an hour or two. If you attempt to cut them while the caramel is still warm and soft, it will inevitably stick to your knife, resulting in messy, uneven pieces. A fully cooled and firm caramel layer will slice beautifully.
Achieving Perfect, Clean Slices. Once your bars are thoroughly chilled and set, use a very sharp, thin-bladed knife. For the absolute cleanest cuts, run your knife under hot water for a few seconds, wipe it completely dry, and then make a single, firm cut. Repeat this process – warming and wiping the knife clean – before each subsequent slice. This technique prevents caramel buildup on the knife and ensures every bar looks as good as it tastes. If you’re still having trouble with sticking, place the entire pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes; the extra chill will firm up the caramel significantly, making slicing much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about baking, storing, and customizing these delicious salted caramel pecan bars:
While it’s possible to judge the caramel by color, especially with experience, I highly recommend using a candy thermometer. This is particularly true for novice caramel makers or if you desire consistently perfect results. Knowing precisely when your caramel reaches the “soft ball” stage (between 245-250°F / 118-121°C) prevents both undercooking (which leads to runny caramel) and overcooking (which results in brittle, hard caramel). It takes the guesswork out and ensures that wonderfully chewy texture.
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different preferences. I’ve successfully prepared these bars using alternative nuts such as sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, and even sunflower seeds. You can opt for a single substitute nut to keep it simple, or create a delightful blend of different varieties for added complexity and texture. Just ensure your chosen nuts are chopped to a similar size for even distribution throughout the caramel layer.
For achieving impeccably clean and neat squares, it is crucial that the bars are completely cooled and thoroughly set before you even think about cutting them. Utilize a very sharp, thin-bladed knife. For the cleanest possible cuts, try this trick: run your knife under hot water for a few seconds, wipe it completely dry, and then make your cut. The warmth helps the blade glide through the caramel without sticking. Remember to wipe the knife clean and re-warm it between each individual slice to maintain pristine edges. If you find the caramel is still stubborn, place the entire pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes; the extra chill will firm up the caramel significantly, making slicing much, much easier.
Yes, these caramel pecan bars freeze exceptionally well! For optimal convenience, I recommend cutting them into individual bars first. Arrange the cut bars in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep beautifully for up to 1 month. Freezing the entire pan, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, is also a fantastic strategy for getting ahead on holiday baking or meal prep. Simply thaw the frozen bars at room temperature for a few hours before serving to restore their perfect texture.
To maintain their freshness and delicious chewy texture, store any leftover baked caramel pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and enjoyable for 2-3 days. If your kitchen tends to be quite warm, or if you wish to extend their shelf life slightly, you can store them in the refrigerator. However, for the absolute best flavor and texture, I recommend allowing them to come back to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Explore More Delicious Caramel Desserts
If you’ve been captivated by the rich, buttery, and utterly indulgent flavor of these salted caramel pecan bars, you’ll be delighted to know there’s a world of other caramel-infused desserts waiting for you to discover. Caramel is a magical ingredient that transforms almost any sweet treat, and we’ve got some fantastic suggestions to keep your caramel cravings satisfied:
- Caramel Apple Cookies: Imagine the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, but in a convenient, soft, and chewy cookie form, complete with delightful swirls of gooey caramel and tender apple pieces.
- Salted Caramel Apple Bars: Another beloved bar recipe, these combine the succulent sweetness of baked apples with a luxurious salted caramel topping and a buttery, crumbly base, offering a comforting fall favorite in an easy-to-serve format.
- Dark Chocolate Turtle Cupcakes: Indulge in rich, moist dark chocolate cupcakes crowned with a decadent blend of chewy caramel, crunchy pecans, and a silky chocolate ganache, inspired by the timeless turtle candy.
If you tried this amazing Salted Caramel Pecan Bars recipe or any other recipe on my website, please don’t hesitate to share your experience! I love hearing from you – leave a comment below and kindly provide a star rating while you’re there! You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your wonderful creations!
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
Equipment
- square 8×8 baking pan
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, *see notes below for measuring*
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Pecan Topping
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Salted Caramel
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/8 cup + 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Flaky sea salt, for after baking
Instructions
- Line a square 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on two sides to create convenient “handles” for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and visibly paler in color. This creaming process is essential for achieving a tender shortbread crust.9 tbsp (125 g) unsalted butter, 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (78 g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to the creamed butter mixture. Continue to mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture takes on a crumbly appearance, resembling small peas or coarse sand. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough crust. Transfer this shortbread dough to your prepared 8×8 baking pan and press it evenly and firmly into the bottom. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, set the crust aside to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.1 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (166 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- In a separate large, heat-proof bowl, combine the chopped pecans, the additional tablespoon of all-purpose flour, the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Toss all these ingredients together thoroughly until the pecans are lightly and evenly coated. This step is crucial as the light flour coating helps to prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom of the caramel layer, ensuring a beautiful and even distribution throughout the bars. Set this prepared bowl aside.1 1/2 cups (155 g) chopped pecans, 1 tablespoon (8 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- To create the luscious salted caramel, combine the granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, honey, and unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently with a heat-proof spatula or whisk. Continue cooking for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel transforms into a rich, deep golden brown color (reminiscent of a copper penny). If you are using a candy thermometer, aim for a temperature between 245-250°F (118-121°C), which is the soft ball stage. This range ensures a perfectly chewy consistency. Once it reaches this perfect hue and/or temperature, immediately remove the pot from the heat. Working quickly, carefully pour the hot caramel directly into the bowl containing the prepared pecans and fold gently but swiftly to combine and coat all the nuts evenly.1/2 cup + 2 tablespoon (127 g) granulated sugar, 2/3 cup (140 g) heavy whipping cream, 1/8 cup + 1 tablespoon (56 g) honey, 4 tablespoon (56 g) unsalted butter
- Immediately and carefully spread the warm caramel-pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked shortbread base in the pan. Use a heat-resistant spatula to gently push and spread the mixture, ensuring it covers the crust as uniformly as possible. Don’t be concerned if the very edges or corners aren’t perfectly covered at this stage; the caramel will naturally settle and spread a bit more during the final baking process.
- Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-13 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the surface of the caramel topping is covered in small, shimmering bubbles and the edges have deepened to a richer, golden brown. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and, while still hot, generously sprinkle the top of these exquisite bars with an extra teaspoon of flaky sea salt. This final touch of salt is essential for providing a crucial flavor contrast that truly enhances the caramel’s sweetness. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire cooling rack for at least a few hours before attempting to slice them. Patience is truly key for perfect, clean cuts. Enjoy your perfectly crafted salted caramel pecan bars!Flaky sea salt
Notes
The calorie information provided for the recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.