Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars



For the first few years that I knew Tyler, he was "just a friend."  Also, he claimed that he didn't like sweets, and specifically didn't care much for chocolate.  Then I made him a batch of these brownies.  Soon after, Tyler proposed, and the rest is history.


Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars
recipe and photo via Hersheys

Ingredient
        1/2 cup sugar
        2 tablespoons butter 
        2 tablespoons water
        2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (I use Ghiradelli 60% cocoa)
        2 eggs
        1 teaspoon vanilla extract
        2/3 cup all-purpose flour
         1/4 teaspoon baking soda
         1/4 teaspoon salt
         25 caramels
         1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
        2 TBSP milk
         1 cup pecan pieces (best when toasted)
Directions
  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch square baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan; grease and flour foil.  (I skip the foil and use Pam for Baking)
  2. 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 eggs and vanilla until well blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; stir into chocolate mixture. Spread batter in prepared pan.
  3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Remove brownies from oven.
  4.  While brownies are baking, prepare caramel topping.  Unwrap the caramels and place in a microwaveable bowl along with butter and milk.  Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
  5. Immediately and carefully spread caramel topping over brownie surface. 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. About 16 bars.

Note:  I like to double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 metal pan.  This results in thicker, more gooey brownies.  They take exactly 20 minutes in my oven.

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