Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the dough is crumbly and starts to come together.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly add the warm sugar mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Stir in the chopped pecans.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Serve:
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars.
Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired, before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, based on 24 bars):
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrate: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g
Enjoy these rich and satisfying Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, perfect for any sweet occasion!