Caramel Pecan Chocolate Dessert

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar

For the filling:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup caramel sauce (or melted soft caramels with 2 tbsp cream)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional topping:

• Extra pecans and caramel drizzle

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Make the crust:
   
   • In a bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and brown sugar.
   • Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. Prepare the filling:
   
   • Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the baked crust.
   • In a saucepan over low heat, stir together sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and salt until smooth.
   • Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
6. Assemble:
   
   • Pour the chocolate mixture over the pecans.
   • Drizzle the caramel sauce on top and swirl lightly with a knife.
8. Bake again for 20–25 minutes, until set around the edges but slightly gooey in the center.
9. Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
10. Top with extra pecans and a drizzle of caramel before serving, if desired.

Serving tip: Delicious served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.