Caramel Pecan Shortbread Squares

Caramel Pecan Bars are ah-mazing! It all starts with a buttery shortbread cookie topped with a rich caramel pecan topping that puts this sweet treat over the edge. These EASY Caramel Pecan Squares make for a perfect potluck, holiday dessert get-together, the perfect hostess gift, or a special treat for a friend. If you love pecan pie, you will LOVE this travel-friendly version.

EASIEST Caramel Pecan Shortbread Squares

Yields: 9 bars

For the Crust:

2 cups Flour

1 cup (2 sticks) of Butter, room temperature

½ cup Sugar

½ tsp Salt

For the topping:

½ cup (1 stick) of Butter

¾ cup Light Brown Sugar

½ cup Honey pinch of Salt

2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream

½ tsp Vanilla Extract

3 cups Pecan, roughly chopped

Preheat Oven to 350 F

To make the crust:

1. Add together the flour, sugar, butter, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until an oatmeal texture appears.

2. Butter and line with parchment paper an 8 x 8 pan*. Try to have the two sheets of parchment paper going in the opposite direction with an overhanging flap for easy removal once the bars are don’t.

3. Bake crust for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. To make the topping:

4. In a large saucepot over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, honey, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is melted and combined.

5. Remove from the heat and whisk in heavy cream and vanilla extract.

6. Add the coarsely chopped pecans and continue to stir the sugar mixture until all the pecans are well coated.

7. Once the crust has baked, add the pecan mixture on top of the cooked crust and ensure to spread pecans in an even layer.

8. Place back in the oven and continue to cook for an additional 20 – 25 minutes until the filling is set.

9. Remove from oven and let Pecan Bars completely cool before cutting the bars.

10. When ready to cut bars, use a serrated knife for easier cutting. Enjoy!

*A larger pan can be used as it will only affect the thickness of the bars and the cooking time may vary.