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I’m often found in the kitchen talking to myself. I like to think it makes me “cute” instead of “crazy.” My husband, however, doesn’t let me hold on to that illusion for long. I get some pretty strange looks and, if we’re being honest, a few eye-rolls every now and then.
I can’t help it. I talk when I cook. If no one else is around, then I’ll just talk to myself. I’m a pretty cool girl! I say interesting things! I have some great conversations with me!
I’m sorry. I think my weird may be starting to show. Whoops!
Anyway, one of the things I often converse with myself about is my need for a double oven. This conversation (between me and me) definitely happens more frequently around the holidays. Yes, I’d like a double oven all year round, but at the holidays, it really turns from a want to a need.
Let’s talk food. This Thanksgiving, I’m sure I’ll be making quite a bit of food; while I don’t know for sure what all I’ll make, I do know that these will be on the menu.
Traditional pecan pie is total Thanskgiving food, right? This year, I’m changing things up. Traditional is boring. Let’s live a little.
These bars have a simple shortbread crust, a layer of melted chocolate, and the yummiest, most gooey, caramel pecan topping you can imagine. They pretty much taste like heaven and are beyond simple to make. These took me about 5 minutes to prepare and are just about impossible to screw up. The recipe doubles easily, too!
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
For the shortbread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce ice cream topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the flour, sugar, and butter until it is a coarse, crumbly mixture.
- Dump the mixture into an ungreased 8x8 baking dish and press to form the bottom crust.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- While the shortbread is baking, beat together the egg, brown sugar, caramel sauce, and pecans. Set aside.
- After 20 minutes remove the shortbread from the oven and sprinkle on the chocolate chips. Wait 1-2 minutes for the chocolate chips to soften and then spread them gently with an off-set spatula to cover the shortbread crust.
- Pour the pecan mixture on top of the chocolate.
- Return to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pecan mixture is set.
- Remove from the oven and immediately run a knife around the edges to prevent the bars from sticking to the side of the baking dish. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
Juliana Fendez says
Fabulous! I’m actually drooling after looking at your gorgeous pictures. =D Thanks so much for sharing with us at Weekend Potluck.
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Sue C. says
I tweeted about the giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/thehappyone/status/142056800353660928
Sue C. says
My favorite holiday dessert is Pumpkin Pie but could soon become Chocolate Caramel Pecan Shortbread Bars – they look delicious, great pictures!
Mari says
That recipe looks delicious!
Lori Jones says
mmmmm! looks great!
Lori Jones says
http://twitter.com/#!/aj_sahm/status/141906443463958528
steff says
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/141753541399289856
steff says
cranberry bread!!
ANGEL JACKLYN says
2ND ENTRY TWEET https://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/141735007843663872
ANGEL JACKLYN says
I PREFER THE JELLIED CRANBERRY SAUCE OVER ALL OTHER DESERTS. WEIRD, BUT IT’S A HOLIDAY THING, YA KNOW?
Enid strain says
i love my double chocolate walnut toffee for Christmas:)
Gloria Bruce says
oops I meant to use a 4 instead of a $ sign. I got so excited about your recipe i forgot to tell you my favorite holiday dessert is Pumkin Pie with whipped cream.