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To make No-Bake Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars, you will need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1 cup medjool dates, pitted and blended into a paste - 1 cup coconut cream - ½ cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon sea salt - Extra pecans and a pinch of sea salt for garnish You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste. For example: - Graham cracker crumbs can be replaced with crushed cookies or nuts. - Cocoa powder can be skipped for a lighter flavor. - Unsalted butter can be switched with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Medjool dates can be replaced with other dried fruits like figs or prunes. - If you want a nut-free version, use seeds instead of pecans. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Choose fresh pecans for crunch and richness. Medjool dates should be soft and sticky, as they blend better. For the coconut cream, pick a brand that has a thick consistency. It helps create a creamy caramel layer. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your bars will be. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and brown sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix everything well until it forms a crumbly texture. This will be the base of your bars. Next, take a lined 9x9-inch baking dish. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom. Use the back of a measuring cup to make it even and compact. This step is key for a sturdy crust. Now, let’s create the salted caramel layer. In a separate bowl, combine pitted medjool dates, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. This mixture will bring a rich flavor to your bars. Once your caramel is ready, pour it over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure to cover the crust completely for the best taste. Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer. Press them in slightly to help them stick. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Now, place the dish in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will let the bars set completely. When they are firm, remove them from the baking dish. Slice them into squares or rectangles. Before serving, drizzle some extra coconut cream on top, and sprinkle more pecans along with a light pinch of sea salt. This step adds flair and flavor to your delicious no-bake salted caramel pecan pie bars. To make smooth caramel, use fresh medjool dates. Blend them until they form a paste. If the mix is too thick, add a bit more coconut cream. This helps create a nice, creamy texture. Mix until there are no lumps. A smooth caramel makes each bite delightful. For the crust, press the graham cracker mix firmly. Use the back of a measuring cup to flatten it. This gives a strong base for the bars. Make sure the crust is even across the bottom. If it's too loose, the bars can fall apart when cut. When ready to serve, slice the bars into neat squares. Drizzle some extra coconut cream on top. This adds a nice touch and looks pretty. Sprinkle additional pecans and a pinch of sea salt for flair. These small details make your bars look gourmet and inviting. {{image_2}} If you want to skip nuts, you have options. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin work well. They add crunch without the nut flavor. You can also try toasted coconut for a tropical twist. Just swap the pecans in the recipe for your chosen alternative. To boost the flavor, consider adding spices. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm the taste. You might also add a bit of espresso powder for a coffee kick. If you love chocolate, mix in some mini chocolate chips. These small changes can elevate your bars. Not a fan of graham crackers? You can use crushed cookies like Oreos or gingersnaps. They add unique flavors and textures. Another option is using oats for a healthier crust. Just blend oats with cocoa powder and butter for a new base. Each choice gives your bars a fresh feel. To keep your No-Bake Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They will stay good for about one week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can also freeze these delicious bars. First, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. These bars are best served cold. No need to reheat them since they are no-bake. Just take them out of the fridge or freezer, let them sit for a few minutes, and then serve. For extra flair, drizzle a bit of coconut cream on top and sprinkle with more pecans and sea salt. This makes them look fresh and inviting! To make the bars vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based option. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Ensure the chocolate used in the cocoa powder is dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients, like pecans and dates, are already vegan-friendly. This change keeps the bars rich and creamy without any animal products. Yes, you can use other sweeteners. Agave syrup or date syrup works well as a substitute. Honey is not vegan but can be used if you are not concerned about that. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may alter the flavor slightly, so taste as you go. To cut the bars neatly, first chill them well. This allows the layers to firm up. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Warm the knife slightly under hot water, then dry it before cutting. This technique helps create smooth slices. Aim for squares or rectangles based on your serving preference. In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for delicious caramel bars. I shared ways to customize your bars and offered storage methods for keeping them fresh. Remember, using quality ingredients enhances flavor. Don’t hesitate to try different variations to find your perfect match. With these steps and tips, you can create tasty treats that impress. Enjoy making your caramel bars and have fun with the process!

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars

Indulge in a sweet treat with these No-Bake Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars that are simple to make and incredibly delicious. With layers of a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy caramel, and pecans, this recipe is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Perfect for a quick dessert fix, these bars require minimal time and effort. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup brown sugar

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1 cup medjool dates, pitted and blended into a paste

1 cup coconut cream

½ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon sea salt

Extra pecans and a pinch of sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined and crumbly.

    Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking dish to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to ensure it is even and compact.

      In a separate bowl, combine the blended dates, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to create the caramel layer. Mix until smooth and creamy.

        Pour the caramel mixture over the crust, evenly spreading it out with a spatula.

          Sprinkle the roughly chopped pecans generously over the caramel layer, pressing them in slightly to ensure they adhere.

            Place the bars in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.

              Once set, remove the bars from the baking dish and slice into squares or rectangles.

                Drizzle a little extra coconut cream over the top, sprinkle with additional pecans and a light pinch of sea salt before serving.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours | Servings: 12 bars