Salted Caramel and Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

INGREDIENTS

Crust

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, very soft (1 stick)

1 cup

all-purpose flour

1/4 cup

confectioners’ sugar

1 tbsp

cornstarch

salt, optional and to taste

Filling

8 oz

roasted salted pecans, halves or pieces okay; about 2 cups (I used Trader Joe’s roasted salted halves)

1 cup

semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup

unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 cup

light brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup

whipping cream or heavy cream

1 tbsp

vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

salt, or to taste