Caramel Pecan Dream Bars
Step into a sweet, nostalgic world with these Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, a recipe resurrected from the charming Recipe Tin Project. This delightful project is a culinary treasure hunt through a vintage recipe tin, revealing the sugary secrets of the 1960s and 1970s.
Each recipe card, whether adorned with quaint illustrations or bearing the marks of many a kitchen adventure, tells a story. These dream bars, with their minimal preparation time and pantry-friendly ingredients, are a testament to the era’s love for quick, scrumptious desserts.
The sticky, toffee-like flavor of these bars, combined with their effortless preparation, makes them an instant favorite. Perfect for impromptu guests or a family treat, they embody the joy of simple, delicious baking. Here’s how you can bring this bit of culinary history into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup soft margarine
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup bits o’ brickle baking chips
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, soft margarine, and egg until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased pan, forming a solid base.
- Add the Filling: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and bits o’ brickle baking chips over the condensed milk, creating a rich and textured topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling has set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This resting period helps the layers set properly and makes cutting easier.