Buttery bars with a gooey caramel center, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty treat.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Caramel Layer
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter
06 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1/3 cup light corn syrup
08 - 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Topping
11 - 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
12 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate flour and sea salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes until thickened and slightly darkened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt.
04 - Pour hot caramel evenly over crust. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top, gently pressing them into caramel.
05 - Bake an additional 15 to 18 minutes until caramel bubbles and sets at edges. Remove and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
06 - Allow bars to cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 bars.
