Caramel Pecan Dream Bars – Experience the taste of our Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, a dessert that beautifully combines the richness of caramel, with the satisfying crunch of pecans. Immerse yourself in this classic, where the main stars are creamy sweetened condensed milk, delectable pecans, and delightful bits o’ brickle.
The first time I tried making these dream bars I didn’t have expectations. I mean how extraordinary can another dessert bar really be? Boy was I mistaken! Soon as they came out of the oven their irresistible aroma lured my husband away from his home office. Even caught my kid’s attention with its heavenly scent. Their reactions after taking the first bite? Absolutely priceless. These bars have become our cherished family treat.
What makes these Caramel Pecan Dream Bars truly magical?
What makes the Caramel Pecan Dream Bars magical is not only their incredible flavor but also their clever simplicity. By utilizing a cake mix for the crust you’ll enjoy a quick preparation process and a consistently fluffy base every time. It’s the contrast of textures that truly captivates—the softness of the crust combined with the satisfying crunch of pecans and bits of brickle—all embraced by the lingering sweetness of condensed milk. It’s an experience, for your taste buds and senses alike.
What You Need To Make This Caramel Pecan Dream Bar Recipe?
Yellow Cake Mix: This isn’t just about convenience; it’s a ticket to consistency! Every time you use this mix, you’re promised the same fluffy and tender crust, ensuring that each bite transports you back to that very first delightful experience.
Soft Margarine: Here’s where the magic of melt-in-your-mouth comes from. The soft margarine not only makes mixing a breeze but also gives our crust that delicate, crumbly texture. Remember, for a richer flavor, you can always opt for butter, but the softness of margarine has its own charm.
Bits o’ Brickle Baking Chips: Think of these as little nuggets of joy! They introduce an unexpected but delightful crunch amidst the creamy filling, making every bite a mini adventure in textures.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: More than just sweetness, this ingredient envelops the bars in a creamy dreaminess, becoming the glue that binds the flavors together.
Pecans: It’s not just about the crunch; pecans bring a deep, nutty aroma that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness around it, making it the unsung hero of our dream bars.
Steps To Make Caramel Pecan Dream Bars:
Step 1: To get started preheat your oven to 350°F. Take your baking pan, a 9×13 inch size and generously spray it with nonstick spray to prevent the bars from sticking. Now in a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the margarine and egg. Mix it until everything is just combined and then gently press this mixture into the bottom of your pan.
Step 2: Once the base is ready it’s time, for the magic! Carefully pour over the filling ingredients; the creamy sweetened condensed milk, those crunchy chopped pecans, and those delightful bits of brickle. Once everything is beautifully layered, place the pan in the oven and let it bake. The goal is to bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until you notice that the edges have turned a golden brown.
Step 3: After baking, exercise patience. Allow those bars to cool down for a bit. Then? Treat yourself by diving in. Enjoying a piece (or even two) of this heavenly delight!
Tip:
When you pour the sweetened condensed milk onto the crust make sure to evenly drizzle it. Start from the edges. Gradually move towards the center. This way you’ll ensure that the edges, which tend to cook faster stay moist and don’t get too brown. Additionally, it guarantees that every bite, whether it’s from the edge or the center will be a combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of nut?
Sure you can definitely try using a kind of nut if you’d like. Walnuts or almonds would work well as a substitute, for pecans.
I don’t have bits o’ brickle. What can I use instead?
If you don’t have any bits o’ brickle no worries! Toffee bits or crushed caramel candies would make an alternative.
How long can I store these dream bars?
As for how you can keep these dream bars. If stored in an airtight container they should stay fresh for a week. Although I must say it might be quite challenging to resist them for that long!
Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Step into a realm where your dessert dreams become reality, with the Caramel Pecan Dream Bars. This indulgent treat brings to mind sunsets and cozy moments beautifully combining the buttery goodness of a golden cake crust with the luxurious embrace of caramel. Scattered throughout this haven are pecan bits and delightful brickle chips forming a delightful mosaic of flavors and textures that gracefully dance on your taste buds guaranteeing that each bite is an exquisite culinary adventure.
Ingredients
For The Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
1/3 c softened margarine
1 egg
For The Filling:
1 (14 ounces) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 c chopped pecans
1/2 c bits o’ brickle baking chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking pan measuring 9×13 inches.
In a bowl mix together the cake mix, margarine and egg until it forms a dough. Press this dough into the bottom of the greased pan.
Next evenly spread the sweetened condensed milk, over the dough layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans and brickle baking chips on top.
Bake in the preheated oven, for 25 to 30 minutes. Until the edges turn golden brown.
Once baked allow it to cool before slicing it into serving portions.
Notes
If you’re exploring the gluten-free world there’s no need to miss out on the deliciousness of these heavenly Caramel Pecan Dream Bars. Just replace the cake mix with your preferred gluten-free alternative. It’s an effortless switch that guarantees everyone can enjoy the charm of this dessert. Just remember to inspect all ingredients, for any potential traces of gluten, especially the brickle baking chips.
- Prep Time: 10 MIN
- Cook Time: 30 MIN
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
Do these freeze ok?
Hi Bella,
Yes, they freeze very well! Just store them in an airtight container. Enjoy baking and indulging in these dream bars!
Wonderful! Everyone loved these! What are the calories per piece, please!
These look amazing and I can’t wait to try them. I’ve noticed that gluten free cake mixes vary in their weight and was wondering what the weight of your cake mix is?
Are you able to substitute butter for the margarine? If so is there any quantity difference?
Yes, Karen, you can substitute butter for margarine in the recipe using the same amount. The flavor will be richer, and the texture may be slightly more crumbly.