Caramel Pecan Cream Bars

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Looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly decadent? These Caramel Pecan Cream Bars are a no-bake (almost!) treat layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and luscious caramel topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings, this chilled dessert bar is simple to make and guaranteed to impress

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures

• No-fail recipe—great for beginners

• Perfect for make-ahead holiday desserts

• Features high-demand flavors: caramel, pecan, cream cheese

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Crushed Graham Crackers (2 cups): Forms the buttery, slightly sweet base of the bars.

• Melted Butter (½ cup): Binds the crust and adds rich flavor.

• Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Bring crunch and toasty, nutty flavor to the crust.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the smooth, tangy foundation of the creamy layer.

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling without grittiness.

• Whipped Topping (1 cup + extra for garnish): Adds a light, airy texture to the cream layer and for finishing.

• Caramel Sauce (14 oz can): Rich and gooey topping that pulls it all together.

• Whole Pecans (for garnish): Optional, but makes for a beautiful and crunchy finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

• Toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F before adding to the crust for enhanced flavor.

• Use a hot knife to slice cleanly through the layers. Wipe between cuts for perfect presentation.

• Chill overnight for best texture and easiest slicing.

• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers.

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a layer of melted chocolate or drizzle on top.

• Pumpkin Spice Version: Mix ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling for fall flavor.

• Nut-Free Option: Use crushed pretzels or oats in the crust instead of pecans.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor. Just make sure it’s thick and cooled before spreading.

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, but use stabilized whipped cream to prevent separation.

How do I keep the layers from mixing?

Chill the crust completely before adding the cream cheese layer, and spread gently with a spatula.

Caramel Pecan Cream Bars

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

Dreamy layers of buttery graham crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans—topped with whipped topping for a sweet, creamy, and irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

• 1 can (14 oz) caramel sauce

• Extra whipped topping and whole pecans, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and chopped pecans.

• Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust.

• Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.

• Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.

• Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in an even layer.

3. Add the Caramel Layer

• Pour the caramel sauce over the cream layer and spread gently with a spatula to cover the surface.

4. Garnish and Chill

• Add decorative dollops of whipped topping and place whole pecans on top for garnish.

• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

5. Slice and Serve

• Cut into bars and serve chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Great for make-ahead entertaining or dessert trays.

• Serve with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for a restaurant-style presentation.

• Ideal for potlucks, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dessert spreads.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American

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