When it comes to crowd-pleasing desserts, few treats deliver the level of indulgence, texture, and pure satisfaction that Chocolate Caramel Pecan Layer Bars provide. These dreamy dessert bars combine a buttery cookie crust, thick molten caramel, crunchy pecans, and a luscious chocolate topping that sets into the perfect soft bite. Whether you’re baking for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, or simply craving something sinful, this dessert guarantees empty plates and recipe requests every single time.
In this long-form, SEO-optimized guide, you will learn exactly how to prepare Chocolate Caramel Pecan Layer Bars, how to customize them, how to store them, and expert tips to ensure they come out flawless on your first try. Bookmark this recipe — it will become one of your forever favorites.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Caramel Pecan Layer Bars
These layered dessert bars check every box:
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Rich and decadent thanks to the chocolate-caramel combination
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Crunchy yet soft, with the perfect balance of textures
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Easy to make using pantry staples
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Freezer-friendly — store for weeks for fast desserts later
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Perfect for gifting because they slice beautifully and stay intact
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Scalable — you can make a half batch or a double batch
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this is one of the most forgiving, impressive desserts you’ll ever make.
🍫 Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Pecan Layer Bars
For the Crust Layer
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2 cups crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup brown sugar
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Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Layer
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1 ½ cups caramel bits or soft caramels
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup chopped pecans (plus more for topping)
For the Chocolate Layer
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons butter
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Extra chopped pecans for sprinkling
🥄 How to Make Chocolate Caramel Pecan Layer Bars
(Complete Step-By-Step Instructions)
1. Prepare the Crust Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (9×13 recommended) with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a medium bowl, mix:
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Crushed cookies
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Melted butter
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Brown sugar
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Salt
Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Transfer it to your baking dish and press firmly into an even layer. This becomes the crunchy base of your bars.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
