Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars Recipe from USA | Ingredients, Steps & Tips

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars are a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a delicious bar form. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The origins of Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars are not well-documented, but it is likely that they were created as a variation of traditional brownies with the addition of caramel and pecans for extra flavor and texture. This recipe has become a popular choice for those looking for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

0.5 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp water
2 cup (12 oz (340 g) pkg) Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.67 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp baking soda
1 cup pecan pieces
0.25 tsp salt
Classic caramel topping (recipe follows)

Classic caramel topping

25 Hershey's Classic caramels
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) butter or margarine
2 tbsp milk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease and flour the foil.
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils.
Remove from heat and immediately add 1 cup of chocolate chips, stirring until melted.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well blended.
Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir this mixture into the chocolate mixture.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Meanwhile, prepare the Classic caramel topping.
Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately and carefully spread the prepared topping over them.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and pecans over the topping.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, being careful not to disturb the chips while they are still soft.
Cut into bars.

Classic caramel topping

Remove the wrappers from the caramels.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter or margarine, caramels, and milk.
Microwave on high (100%) for 1 minute, then stir.
Microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth when stirred.
Use immediately.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the bars for an extra chocolatey touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to line your baking pan with foil and grease it well to prevent the bars from sticking.

- When making the caramel topping, be sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean and even cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars is to carefully monitor the baking time to ensure that the brownies are cooked through but still moist and fudgy. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions closely for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Hershey's Classic caramels, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a substitute. You can also use different types of chocolate chips or nuts to customize the flavor of the bars to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars on a decorative platter or plate for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust the bars with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious and satisfying dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the bars for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars contain dairy, nuts, and eggs.

Summary

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. They should be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a convenient bar form. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can enjoy these decadent bars at home for a special treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young woman, eager to explore the world of cooking and baking. I had always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, but this recipe was like nothing I had ever seen before.

I had been invited to a friend's house for a dinner party, and as I arrived, I was greeted with the most delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. Curious, I wandered in to see what was cooking, and there, on the counter, was a pan of the most decadent looking brownies I had ever seen. Rich, fudgy brownie base, gooey caramel filling, and crunchy pecans on top - it was a sight to behold.

I couldn't resist asking my friend for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. As she talked me through the steps and ingredients, I was filled with excitement at the thought of making these bars for myself. I jotted down the recipe in my trusty recipe notebook, and from that day on, it became a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made these Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Each time I bake them, the memories of that dinner party and the joy I felt discovering this recipe come flooding back. It has become a beloved tradition in my family, with everyone eagerly awaiting the moment when I announce that I am making a batch of these decadent bars.

As I reflect on how I learned to make these Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars, I realize that this recipe is more than just a delicious treat. It represents the joy of discovery, the thrill of trying something new, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to bring joy into our lives.

So as I mix the ingredients, pour the batter into the pan, and sprinkle the pecans on top, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the friend who shared this recipe with me all those years ago. And as the bars bake in the oven, filling the kitchen with that familiar, irresistible aroma, I know that I am not just making a dessert - I am continuing a tradition, passing down a recipe that has brought me so much joy and happiness.

And as I take that first bite of the warm, gooey Brownie Caramel Pecan Bar, I am filled with a sense of contentment and satisfaction, knowing that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of my family's culinary history for many years to come.