French Caramel Pecan Bars

French Caramel Pecan Bars Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25-30 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Introduction

French Caramel Pecan Bars are a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel, pecans, and chocolate in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or as a special treat for yourself.

History

The origins of French Caramel Pecan Bars are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional French pastries and desserts. The combination of caramel, pecans, and chocolate is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

0.75 cup melted butter or margarine
1 package French vanilla cake mix
1 egg
2.5 cup quick-cooking oats
1 can caramel pecan or coconut pecan Frosting
12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup chopped pecans

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Spray a 15x10x1" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the melted butter in a large bowl and set aside 3 tbsp of the cake mix.
Add the remaining cake mix to the butter and blend well.
Add the egg and mix well, then stir in the oats.
Press about 0.67 of the cake mix mixture (about 2.5 cups) into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Place the frosting in a medium microwavable bowl and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute.
Add the reserved 3 tbsp of cake mix and stir until large lumps disappear.
Drizzle half of the frosting mixture over the cake mix mixture in the pan and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.
Drizzle the remaining frosting mixture on top.
Crumble the remaining cake mix mixture over the frosting mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Cool for 1.5 hours, or until completely cooled.
Cut into bars.

Variations

Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bars for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the cake mix mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the bars.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry and crumbly.

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

Serving Suggestions

French Caramel Pecan Bars are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a sweet and satisfying snack.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the bars bake evenly and have the right texture.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into clean, even squares.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use a different flavor of cake mix, such as vanilla or chocolate, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

French Caramel Pecan Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish the bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

French Caramel Pecan Bars pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

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

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

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

Summary

French Caramel Pecan Bars are a delicious but indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.

Summary

French Caramel Pecan Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel, pecans, and chocolate in a convenient bar form. Enjoy these bars as a special treat for yourself or share them with friends and family at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for French Caramel Pecan Bars. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I had just finished helping my mother with the laundry. As I sat down at the kitchen table to take a break, I noticed a small notebook tucked away in the corner.

Curiosity getting the best of me, I opened the notebook to find a collection of recipes handwritten in beautiful cursive. Each page was filled with ingredients and instructions for all sorts of delicious dishes, but one in particular caught my eye – the recipe for French Caramel Pecan Bars.

I had never heard of such a dessert before, but the combination of caramel and pecans sounded absolutely divine. I knew I had to try making them myself. With a quick glance around the kitchen to make sure no one was watching, I carefully tore the page from the notebook and slipped it into my pocket.

That night, after everyone had gone to bed, I tiptoed down to the kitchen and gathered the ingredients I would need to make the bars. Butter, sugar, flour, pecans – everything was there, just waiting to be transformed into a delicious treat.

Following the instructions in the notebook, I mixed and baked and waited anxiously as the bars began to take shape in the oven. The smell of caramel and toasted pecans filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the timer dinged and I carefully removed the pan from the oven. The bars were golden brown and bubbling with caramel goodness. I couldn't resist cutting into them right away, even though they were still warm.

The first bite was pure bliss. The buttery crust, the gooey caramel, the crunchy pecans – it was a flavor explosion unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a family favorite.

Over the years, I have made these French Caramel Pecan Bars countless times. They have been a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties. Each time I make them, I am reminded of that hot summer day when I stumbled upon the recipe and decided to give it a try.

I like to think of the notebook as a gift from a mysterious culinary fairy, guiding me towards new and exciting recipes that I may have never discovered otherwise. Who knows where it came from or who wrote it, but I am eternally grateful for its existence.

As I sit here now, with a plate of freshly baked French Caramel Pecan Bars in front of me, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe has brought me over the years. It may have started as a simple discovery on a hot summer day, but it has become so much more – a symbol of family, tradition, and the joy of cooking. And for that, I am truly grateful.