If you’re looking for a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, look no further than these irresistible Caramel Pecan Squares. The perfect combination of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and buttery crust, these squares are a true indulgence. They make a wonderful addition to any dessert table or a lovely gift for friends and family. Let’s dive right in and create these delectable Caramel Pecan Squares that are sure to become a household favorite.
**Caramel Pecan Squares**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, 3/4 cup cold cubed butter, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the baked crust, then pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and set.
8. Allow the Caramel Pecan Squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For clean cuts, chill the squares in the refrigerator before slicing.
9. Serve and enjoy these delightful Caramel Pecan Squares with a cup of coffee or tea, or package them up beautifully to gift to loved ones.
These Caramel Pecan Squares are a wonderful blend of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors that will surely impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these squares are a fantastic choice. The rich caramel topping paired with the crunch of pecans on a buttery crust creates a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delectable squares – they’re guaranteed to make any moment a little sweeter.
