Name: Pecan Caramel Delight Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1 cup butter, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips; 1 cup butter; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped

Description

These Pecan Caramel Delight Squares offer a delectable combination of flavors and textures: a tender shortbread base, smooth chocolate layer, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans on top. Perfect for sharing, these squares add a beautiful touch to any dessert table and are ideal for gatherings or holiday parties.

A deliciously layered treat, these squares make for an elegant yet indulgent dessert that everyone will love. With their balance of sweetness and texture, they’re best served slightly chilled. You’ll love the way the rich caramel complements the buttery shortbread and crunchy pecans!

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Layer

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup butter, at room temperature

Chocolate Layer

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

Caramel Layer

1 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Pecan Topping

1 1/2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden, then cool slightly.
Add the Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the slightly cooled shortbread layer. Let them melt for a few minutes, then spread evenly across the top with a spatula.
Create the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until the mixture begins to bubble. Add the honey and heavy cream, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the caramel thickens. Pour this caramel mixture over the chocolate layer.
Finish with the Pecan Topping: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer, pressing them gently to ensure they stick.
Set and Serve: Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until fully set. Once firm, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Room Temperature Butter: Use softened butter for the shortbread to ensure the crust has the perfect tender texture.
Even Layers: Spreading each layer evenly ensures each bar has a consistent flavor and texture.
Chilling for Easy Slicing: Chilling the bars fully before slicing makes it easier to cut clean, uniform squares.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Keywords: Pecan Caramel Squares