Hershey’s Caramel Pecan Bars

Years ago one of my co-workers brought a fundraiser catalog to work for everyone to look through. Her daughter was raising money for school programs. It was one of those fun magazine-style catalogs that feature a number of items from kitchenware, wrapping paper, snacks and home decor. 

As I flipped through the catalog I found a Hershey’s dessert cookbook that caught my eye. At the time, I was not married (or even dating) and had no time to bake. But I knew that one day I would love to have this cookbook on hand to bake for my future husband. I placed my order, dreaming that “one day” dream,  and went on with my work. 

Several weeks later the cookbook was sitting on my desk when I arrived at work. I was so excited flipping through its pages and planning ahead (way ahead) to the dream of baking the decadent recipes for the man I would love. 

This was just a small “one day” dream. Yet, isn’t it wonderful when dreams come true. 

Today, the same cookbook, full of delicious, chocolaty desserts is well worn and much used. It has spilled ingredients stained on its pages, lots of sticky-note placeholders and a bent cover. And it has been used on many occasions, just like I dreamed it would be. 

One dessert that stood out immediately was the Caramel Pecan Bar recipe I want to share with you today. It was the very first recipe I decided to make all those years later, when I finally was able to use it. After I had been married, we bought our first home and I wanted to make something special to wow my husband. I finally pulled this cookbook out and the dream became a reality. 

I made the Caramel Pecan Bars for Larry’s birthday about 13 years ago and it became an instant hit for him, and the rest of our family who tried them. I have had this recipe requested many, many times over the years now. I even made the bars for our church’s missionary dessert auction one year and the bidding war for who was going home with them was a lot of fun to witness! 

If you love chocolate, caramel and pecans then you absolutely have to try this recipe! 

Now a staple in our family, I can’t help but remember that day I ordered this cookbook from the catalog in preparation for the future. It’s the simple things that make me smile. God gave me a dream to have a wonderful husband to bake for. I trusted His plan and here we are. It reminds me of the scripture, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

This Valentine’s Day, I hope you share the love found in this recipe with those you used to dream about that are now a reality in your life! Love is a gift worth celebrating! And if you are still dreaming, I am cheering you on. Dream BIG!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar 

2 Tbsps butter

2 Tbsps water 

2 cups (1 pkg) Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided 

2 eggs 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

2/3 cup all-purpose flour 

1/4 tsp baking soda 

1/4 tsp salt

Topping Ingredients:

11 oz bag of caramel (individually wrapped or the unwrapped melts) 

1/4 cup butter

2 Tbsp milk 

Instructions: 

Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan; grease and flour foil.

Combine sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Remove from heat. 

Immediately add 1 cup chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; stir into chocolate mixture. Spread batter in prepared pan. 

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Set pan on cooling rack and prepare the caramel topping. 

Caramel Topping Instructions:

Remove wrappers from 25 caramels (or use the entire 11oz bag of unwrapped caramel bits). In medium microwave safe bowl, place 1/4 cup butter, caramels, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir. Microwave an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until caramels have melted and mixtures smooth when stirred. Pour over brownies immediately.

Sprinkle remaining 1 cup chips and pecans over topping; lightly press into topping. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, being careful not to disturb chips while soft. Lift out of pan; cut into bars.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have!

Be blessed, friends!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

~ Stephanie