Nutty Caramel Bars

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 (12-ounce) can lightly salted mixed whole nuts

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Butter a 13″ x 9″ baking pan; set aside.

To make the crust, in a large bowl with an electric mixer beat 1 cup butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour until well mixed; pat evenly into prepared pan. Bake until edges are brown and center looks dry, about 15 minutes. Remove to a wire rack.

To make topping, in a saucepan over medium heat, heat 1/2 cup butter with honey until butter is melted. Stir in brown sugar and bring to a boil. Boil without stirring for exactly two minutes, then remove immediately from heat. Stir in cream and nuts, then immediately spoon mixture evenly over the crust.

Bake until caramel bubbles, about 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 2″ x 2″ squares.