There are few flavors more synonymous with comfort and cozy than brown butter, caramel, and pecans. This recipe for Brown Butter Pecan Bars, topped with a simple but stunning Caramel Glaze, is the perfect expression of all three.

We start with a chewy bar base that’s packed with nutty, golden-brown butter flavor. Then, we take it to the next level with a sticky homemade caramel topping that seals the deal.

This recipe was born out of a desire to create a truly luxurious bar cookie, one that feels special without being complicated. The quality of the butter and the Miller Pecan Co. Pecans are the absolute stars here, proving that high-quality, local ingredients make all the difference.

Each bite delivers a chewy, blondie-like sweetness with the satisfying, double-dose of crunch from the toasted pecans in the bar and on top. The depth of the brown butter combined with the buttery, smooth caramel glaze makes these bars stand out. This is a truly shareable dessert that brings people together and celebrates the best of local baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes a classic bar cookie and gives it a sophisticated, deeply flavorful upgrade. Here’s why these bars will become your new go-to:

• The Brown Butter Base. Browning the butter adds a nutty, complex depth that takes the chewy bar beyond a simple blondie.
• Sticky, Homemade Caramel. The easy four-ingredient caramel glaze is poured over the cool bars for a stunning, decadent finish.
• Double the Pecans. We use Miller Pecan Co. Pecans in the bar for chew and on top for crunch and presentation.
• Crowd-Pleaser. These bars travel well, cut easily, and are the perfect addition to any potluck or holiday gathering.

Ingredients For the Bars

Unsalted Butter. The foundation of the bar. It must be unsalted so you can control the browning and the final salt level.

Dark Brown Sugar. This adds moisture and a rich, molasses flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.

Egg & Vanilla Extract. These bind the ingredients and add essential flavor.

All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt. The dry ingredients that give the bar its perfect, chewy structure.

Miller Pecan Co. Pecans. The star of the show. Using local, high-quality pecans ensures a fresh, buttery flavor that can’t be beaten.

Ingredients For the Caramel Glaze and Topping

Butter, Brown Sugar, & Heavy Cream. The simple trio that creates a rich, smooth caramel glaze.

Miller Pecan Co. Pecans. Reserved for the topping, providing that crucial final crunch.

This Recipe’s Must-Haves

• A saucepan is essential for both browning the butter and making the caramel glaze.
• An 8-inch baking pan is the perfect size to get the right thickness for these bars.
• Parchment paper is a must for easy cleanup and clean removal of the entire slab for slicing.
• A small whisk and a wooden spoon or spatula for mixing the ingredients.
• An offset spatula for spreading the warm caramel glaze evenly over the cooled bars.

How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Bars

1. Preheat and Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, or spray with cooking spray.
2. Brown the Butter. Melt the 1 ¼ sticks of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep cooking and swirling until the butter stops foaming and the milk solids turn a golden brown color and smell nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove immediately from heat.
3. Mix the Base. Stir the packed brown sugar into the warm brown butter until smooth. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients & Pecans. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Fold in the toasted and chopped pecans.
5. Bake. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely.
6. Make the Glaze. While the bars cool, combine the 3 tablespoons of butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla in a clean saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble, the color deepens, and it thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
7. Glaze and Top. Immediately pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled pecan squares, using an offset spatula to ensure the entire top is covered. While the glaze is still warm and sticky, top with the reserved ½ cup of toasted pecans.
8. Slice and Serve. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips for Browned Butter Pecan Bars

• Toast Your Pecans. Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter and topping is a non-negotiable. Toasting heightens the flavor of the nuts and gives them a better crunch. Do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they smell fragrant.
• Cool Completely. The bar must be cool before you pour on the glaze. If the bar is warm, the caramel will seep into the cookie instead of sitting on top.
• Keep an Eye on the Caramel. The caramel glaze comes together quickly. Once it boils and the color deepens (it should look slightly thicker than syrup), remove it from the heat immediately.

Variations

• Make it salted. Add a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel glaze before it sets for a delicious salted caramel effect.
• Add chocolate. Fold in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with the pecans.
• No-glaze option. If you’re short on time, you can skip the glaze entirely, and simply sprinkle the toasted pecans on top of the bars during the last five minutes of baking.

FAQs

• Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable.
• Why did my bars turn out dry? You likely overmixed the flour into the batter, or you baked them for too long. Check for that few moist crumbs sign, not a clean toothpick.
• Can I use a larger pan? Yes, but the bars will be thinner, and the bake time will be shorter (around 15-20 minutes).

What to Serve With Brown Butter Pecan Bars

These bars are intensely decadent on their own, but they are absolutely amazing when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair well with a hot cup of black coffee or a smooth, dark stout.

How to Store

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.