Imagine the sweet aroma of buttery shortbread crust mingling with the rich flavors of caramel and chocolate. That’s the magic of Hoosier Bars, a beloved dessert that perfectly combines the textures and sweetness levels to satisfy your cravings. This recipe will guide you through creating these delectable treats that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Hoosier Bars
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and softened butter. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly dough.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
4. While the crust is baking, pour the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the milk thickens and turns a light caramel color, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the thickened caramel over the hot crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer, allowing them to soften and melt slightly from the residual heat.
7. Next, add the chopped pecans on top of the chocolate layer.
8. Drizzle the vanilla extract over the pecans and sprinkle a pinch of salt evenly across the top.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chocolate chips have melted and the edges are bubbling.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to allow them to set.
11. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size and serve. Enjoy the rich, gooey goodness of these Hoosier Bars!
Hoosier Bars offer a satisfying blend of sweet, buttery, and chocolaty flavors with a delightful crunch from the pecans. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert for yourself or planning a gathering with loved ones, these bars are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a batch of Hoosier Bars to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories.