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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.
Claudia says
Wow. These bars look amazing. I would totally make them if I had access to pecans…maybe with a different nut?
Shelby N. says
Pecan pie is my all time fave! These bars look like they might be a close second. ๐
AnnMarie says
My mom’s nutrolls — I just can’t make them like she did! Oh by the way, I have a double oven range and I love it!!!
sprigl3 says
My favorite holiday dessert would have to be sweet potato pie with pecan topping.
The shortbread chocolate bars look yummy! I’m trying those tonight!
Lise says
My absolute favourite holiday dessert is “Oriental Crunch Bar”. I think it’s the coffee that makes it.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/ORIENTAL-CRUNCH-BARS-50012779
Make them someday and see how long they last in your house. Even a double batch doesn’t last long here. ;-0
Stephanie says
Gosh those look so good.
My favorite holiday dessert is definitely my moms’ Christmas cookies. They are a really dense sugar cookie that are made to look like candy canes and has peppermint in it. I can eat buckets of them.
Jill Gagner says
These bars look so YUM! I love gingerbread cookies at Christmas time because its the only time of year I make them!
Lesa @Edesia's Notebook says
My favorite holiday dessert is anything with chocolate in it!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I only eat pumpkin pie once a year- on Thanksgiving. I have to have it. ๐ And hello! I neeeeeeeeeeed a double oven too. I’m pretty sure I say this to myslef too ๐
Kolbi says
carmel and pecan. you hit it right on the nail. i cant wait to make these tonight!!
ps i’d love to win your giveaway!
Ella says
I’ve never tried pecan pie before. Shocking I know. But I have made pecan pie bars before and your recipe looks yummy!
A double oven would be fabulous around the holidays but it would make life so much easier around birthdays, bake sales and parties too!
KJ says
My favorite dessert is hot apple pie with ice cream!
Jennie from Cole Camp says
I love the new look of your site and – how can you beat Pecan Pie – Yummy!!!
Yvonne I. says
Favorite holiday dessert is Pecan Pie – hands down!
Veronica @ Cafรฉ con Leche says
Eggnog meltaway cookies! I wait all year for eggnog-y treats! ๐