Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Indulge in the irresistible allure of Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel, pecans, and buttery cake. With a luscious filling nestled atop a tender cake crust, these bars are the epitome of dessert perfection.

Whether you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up or seeking a delightful addition to your dessert spread, these bars are sure to captivate your taste buds with every delightful bite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re guaranteed to become a beloved favorite among family and friends alike. Treat yourself to a slice of bliss with these heavenly Caramel Pecan Dream Bars!

Caramel Pecan Dream Bars

Ingredients

For The Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix

1/3 cup soft margarine

1 egg

For The Filling:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup bits o’ Brickle baking chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

Mix together the cake mix, margarine, and egg and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Pour filling ingredients (sweetened condensed milk, pecans, bits o’ brickle) over the base and bake 25-30 minutes.

Let cool before cutting. Enjoy!

Notes:

Convenience of Cake Mix: Using a yellow cake mix as the base for the crust makes this recipe incredibly convenient and quick to prepare, perfect for busy bakers or last-minute dessert needs.

Buttery Crust: The combination of soft margarine and egg creates a buttery and tender crust that serves as the delicious foundation for the decadent filling.

Sweet and Nutty Filling: The filling, comprised of sweetened condensed milk, chopped pecans, and bits o’ Brickle baking chips, offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures—sweetness from the condensed milk, nuttiness from the pecans, and a hint of toffee-like flavor from the bits o’ Brickle.

Easy Assembly: With just a few simple steps, including mixing the crust ingredients, pressing them into the pan, pouring over the filling, and baking, this recipe is straightforward and suitable for beginner bakers.

Baking Time: Baking for 25-30 minutes at 350°F allows the crust to bake to golden perfection and the filling to set, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Cooling Period: Allowing the bars to cool before cutting ensures that they set properly and hold their shape, making for easier slicing and serving.

Enjoyment: These Caramel Pecan Dream Bars are best enjoyed as a delightful treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special dessert for entertaining guests. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in the crust if you prefer.

Just make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature for easy mixing.

Can I use a different type of nuts in the filling?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or prefer a different nut, you can use walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice as a substitute.

What can I use instead of bits o’ Brickle baking chips?

If you can’t find bits o’ Brickle baking chips or prefer not to use them, you can substitute with toffee bits or even chocolate chips for an added twist.

Can I make these bars in advance and store them?

Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

They should stay fresh for a few days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I freeze these bars for later enjoyment?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well.

Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.

They should stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I use a different type of cake mix for the crust?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors to change the crust’s taste.

For example, a butter or vanilla cake mix can work well with this recipe.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of soft margarine?

Yes, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for soft margarine. Just make sure it’s at room temperature and has a similar consistency to the margarine.

Can I add extra toppings to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add additional toppings like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use a different size baking pan?

While the recipe calls for a 9×13-inch baking pan, you can adjust the pan size slightly if needed.

Just be mindful of baking time adjustments, as it may vary with a different pan size.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Caramel Pecan Dream Bars by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the bits o’ Brickle baking chips, are gluten-free as well.