Butterscotch Pecan Dessert with a Salty Pretzel Crust

Oh, my dears, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade butterscotch filling the kitchen, promising a treat that whispers of cozy afternoons and sweet memories. This Butterscotch Pecan Dessert with its irresistible salty pretzel crust is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a little magic right in your own home. The buttery shortbread meets a rich, gooey butterscotch pecan topping, all balanced by that wonderful, unexpected salty crunch from the pretzel crust. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that truly captivates the soul.

I remember countless childhood afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, watching her with wide-eyed wonder as she transformed simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The warmth of her oven, the gentle hum of her mixing bowl – those are the moments that truly shaped my love for baking. This recipe carries that same comforting spirit, a testament to the joy of making something from scratch with love.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for impressing guests at a potluck or simply bringing a moment of joy to your family on a quiet evening. It’s surprisingly simple to master, promising a truly rewarding bake every single time. My top tip? Always measure your ingredients with a baker’s precision; it’s the secret to consistent perfection!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful Butterscotch Pecan Dessert begins with a few pantry staples, transforming them into pure indulgence. You’ll find flour, butter, and light brown sugar forming the heart of our luscious butterscotch, while the pecans add that beautiful crunch and earthy flavor. I always suggest using a good quality vanilla extract for that extra depth, as it truly makes a difference. The complete list of ingredients and precise measurements are detailed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

Embarking on this baking adventure is a delightful journey! You’ll begin by creating the wonderfully salty and crumbly pretzel crust, pressing it gently into your pan. Next comes the preparation of the rich, golden butterscotch pecan topping, simmering it to a perfect, thick consistency. Once the layers are assembled, it’s off to the oven, where the magic happens and your kitchen fills with the most intoxicating aroma. Before you know it, you’ll have a tray of these irresistible bars ready to cool and enjoy!

Decadent Butterscotch Pecan Bars

A rich, chewy bar dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a gooey butterscotch filling loaded with perfectly toasted pecans. These bars are a delightful blend of sweet and nutty.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 sticks)

For the Butterscotch Pecan Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups pecans toasted and roughly chopped

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment Paper
• Pastry blender
• Wire Rack

Method

 

Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to easily lift the bars out later.

Make the Shortbread Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
4. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Prepare the Butterscotch Pecan Topping

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and light corn syrup.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat slightly and let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until the topping is smooth and well combined.
4. Stir in the toasted, chopped pecans.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the warm butterscotch pecan topping evenly over the hot, baked shortbread crust in the pan.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and set, and lightly browned around the edges.

Cool and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly and for the topping to firm up. Cooling may take 2-3 hours at room temperature, or you can refrigerate for about 1 hour once it’s mostly cooled to speed up the process.
2. Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 or 24 squares, depending on your desired serving size.

Notes

Toasting Pecans: Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cooling is Key: Do not attempt to cut the bars before they are completely cool, or the butterscotch topping will be too sticky and gooey to hold its shape. Storage: Store Butterscotch Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Pro Tips for Making This Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

Crafting the perfect Butterscotch Pecan Dessert is all about a few simple insights I’ve gathered over my years in the kitchen.

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  My Secret Trick: For a truly cohesive pretzel crust that holds its shape beautifully, make sure to pulse the pretzels until they are very fine crumbs, almost like sand. This helps them bind together wonderfully with the melted butter.

  
  
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  When making the butterscotch topping, patience is your best friend. Stir it constantly over medium heat to prevent scorching and ensure that beautiful, smooth, and thick consistency that makes these bars so decadent. It’s worth every moment, I promise!

  
  
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  Always allow your bars to cool completely before cutting. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but proper cooling time ensures clean, crisp slices and allows the butterscotch to set perfectly. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that picture-perfect Butterscotch Pecan Dessert!

  
  
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  Don’t be shy with the pecans! Toasting them lightly before adding them to the butterscotch topping will deepen their flavor and add an extra layer of warmth and nuttiness that truly elevates the entire dish.

  
  

Fun Variations for Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

One of the greatest joys of baking is getting creative, and this Butterscotch Pecan Dessert is just begging for a personal touch!

• Chocolate Swirl Delight: My sister always asks me to swirl in a touch of melted dark chocolate over the butterscotch layer before baking. The rich cocoa beautifully complements the sweet butterscotch and salty pretzel.
• Nutty Alternatives: While pecans are classic, feel free to swap them for chopped walnuts or even a mix of your favorite nuts. A friend of mine loves adding cashews for a different kind of crunch!
• Spice It Up: For a cozy, autumnal twist, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to your butterscotch mixture. It adds a subtle warmth that’s truly comforting, especially with a delicious Butterscotch Pecan Dessert.
• A Touch of Coconut: Sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut over the top along with the pecans for an extra layer of texture and a hint of tropical sweetness. It’s a delightful surprise!

What to Serve With Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

This glorious Butterscotch Pecan Dessert is a star all on its own, but sometimes a little something extra can make it even more special!

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting gently over a warm slice. The cold creaminess is a perfect contrast to the rich, gooey bars.
• A Drizzle of Caramel: For the ultimate indulgence, a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce or even a sprinkle of sea salt flakes right before serving takes this Butterscotch Pecan Dessert to another level.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: My mom always pairs these bars with a steaming mug of her favorite herbal tea, or a rich cup of coffee. The warmth and slight bitterness cut through the sweetness beautifully.
• Fresh Berries: A small side of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries can add a lovely burst of freshness and a hint of tartness, offering a beautiful balance to the rich flavors.

How to Store Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

You’ve put so much love into making this incredible Butterscotch Pecan Dessert, and ensuring it stays fresh and delicious is key!

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your bars within 2-3 days, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture.
• Refrigeration for Longer: For extended freshness, especially if it’s warm in your kitchen, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The butterscotch will firm up a bit, but it will still be wonderfully delicious.
• Freezer Friendly: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature.
• My Personal Tip: I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars when storing them, whether in the fridge or freezer. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just one! To truly bring back that fresh-baked feel for your Butterscotch Pecan Dessert after refrigeration, a quick 10-15 second warm-up in the microwave can work wonders, bringing the butterscotch back to gooey perfection.

Nutritional Benefits

While undoubtedly a treat, this Butterscotch Pecan Dessert offers a delightful balance. Pecans are a fantastic source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and providing sustained energy. It’s a lovely reminder that a dessert can be both satisfying and offer a touch of natural goodness, embodying my philosophy of finding joy in wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the pretzel crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pretzel crust and press it into your pan a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake your delightful Butterscotch Pecan Dessert.

Faq 2

What can I use instead of light corn syrup?
If you don’t have light corn syrup, a good substitute for the Butterscotch Pecan Dessert topping would be golden syrup or even a thicker maple syrup, though these might alter the flavor slightly. It helps prevent crystallization.

Faq 3

Why did my butterscotch topping not set?
A butterscotch topping that doesn’t set often means it wasn’t cooked to a high enough temperature. Ensure it reaches a full, rolling boil and thickens significantly before removing it from the heat for your Butterscotch Pecan Dessert.

Faq 4

Can I use gluten-free flour for the shortbread crust?
Yes, you can! A 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used for the shortbread crust in this Butterscotch Pecan Dessert. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Conclusion

Baking, for me, has always been about more than just ingredients and instructions; it’s about the joy of creation, the comfort of sharing, and the memories we weave into every sweet bite. This Butterscotch Pecan Dessert with its irresistible salty pretzel crust is a true testament to that philosophy – a recipe that brings together delightful textures and flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and let your kitchen be filled with the warmth and magic of homemade treats. I truly hope you’ll try this recipe and create some sweet, unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Happy baking, my dears!