Grandma's Mistake Bars
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of *Grandma's Mistake Bars*, an irresistibly sweet and chewy dessert that brings layers of flavor and texture to every bite. Made with a buttery cookie dough base, swirled with gooey sweetened condensed milk, and studded generously with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, these bars strike the perfect balance of decadence and nostalgia. The recipe’s whimsical name pays homage to its “happy accident” origins, where mismatched ingredients created a masterpiece that’s now a family favorite. With just 15 minutes of prep, these golden-brown bars are easy to whip up for any occasion and make a delightful treat that’s both kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home, these dessert bars are as playful as their name suggests.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5
Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands. It may be sticky, so dampen your hands with a little water to help press it flat.
Step 6
Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the dough layer.
Step 7
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate chips and pecans, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Try to avoid letting it touch the edges of the pan, as it can scorch during baking.
Step 8
Take the remaining dough and drop it in small clumps over the condensed milk layer. It won’t fully cover the top, and that’s okay—some gaps are fine.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
Step 10
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack, about 1-2 hours. This allows the layers to set firmly.
Step 11
Once cooled, cut into 16 squares or bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1449.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5752.7 |
| Total Fat 251.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 127.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 755.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2314.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 853.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 28.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 625.1g | |
| Protein 91.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 111.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1340.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2224.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories