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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.
Chas Childress says
i love Pecans and I know chocolate caramel pecan shortbread bars will satisfy almost everyone.
Cecilia Cacho says
My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin cheesecake
Cecilia Cacho says
I am going to make these now! They look sooooo yummy!
Lisa says
One of my most favorite holiday desserts is my late Grandmother’s Date Nut Pudding. There is nothing like it… warm and gooey, with a dollop of fresh whipping cream on top!!! Pure heaven!!!
Norma says
why didnt you give out this recipe before Christmas?
Tami Vollenweider says
I love Bread Pudding!
Natalie says
i just found your website today. Wow! So many yummy food ideas to make. My favorite holiday dessert is cheese cake, I like it because the recipe can be changed for every holiday. My husband loves pecan pie and I will definitely make these for him. He thinks pecan pie comes in second place only to pumpkin pie. I might make it for my cookie exchange too- and best of all the recipe looks really simple.
Thank you for the recipe!
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/140326626402631680
Erica Best says
Pecan Pie is my fave
Jewel says
The bars look yummy, I am going to make them for my family.
Debra F says
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/140201911574986752
Debra F says
I love a traditional turkey dinner ending with my homemade pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting!
ms ellie says
Pecan Pie….. However, these shortbread bars may take their place. Can’t wait to try them!
Molly Jo says
I tweeted this at http://bunsinmyoven.com/2011/11/10/chocolate-caramel-pecan-shortbread-bars-ge/comment-page-4/#comment-13734
Molly Jo says
My favorite holiday dessert is my mom’s special Strawberry/Pretzel Layer Dessert. She makes it about three times from Thanksgiving thru New Year’s, and it’s my absolute favorite!