Pecan Caramel Squares

By LoriCaputo

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened, divided
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tsp. vanilla
• 2 ¼ cups flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 3 cups pecans, chopped

Preparation

Step 1

Beat the cheese, ¾ cup butter, sugar, and 2 tsp. of vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add the flour and baking soda; mix well. Cover and chill 3o minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press dough firmly onto the bottom of a 15 x 10 inch baking pan. Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Melt ¼ cup butter, place in a medium sized bowl, then add the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla. Mix well and then add the nuts.

Spread the pecan mixture evenly onto the warm crust; bake an additional 20 – 25 minutes or until topping is firm around the degrees and slightly soft in the center. Cool completely on wire rack and cut into bars.