Salted Caramel Pecans

Sweet, salty, and completely irresistible—these Salted Caramel Pecans are the perfect balance of crunchy, buttery pecans coated in a rich caramel sauce with just the right touch of salt. Imagine biting into a warm, caramel-coated pecan that melts in your mouth, with a hint of sea salt that elevates the sweetness to another level. You’ll want to make these often, whether for a quick snack, a sweet topping for desserts, or a gift that will be cherished.

Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer! These salted caramel pecans are easy to make, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a must-try treat in so many homes. Get ready to be obsessed!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Pecans

Easy to Make: You only need a few simple ingredients to create this delicious treat. No fancy tools or complicated techniques required—just a stovetop and some patience.

Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of caramel’s rich sweetness and the sharp salt creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s that perfect mix of savory and sweet that always hits the spot.

Versatile: These pecans can be eaten on their own as a snack, sprinkled on top of ice cream, or added to salads for that perfect crunch. They’re also fantastic as gifts when packaged in cute jars or tins.

Made with Love: There’s something special about homemade caramel, and the smell of it cooking will have everyone in the house asking what’s cooking. These pecans are the kind of treat you make when you want to spread joy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Salted Caramel Pecans:

For the Salted Caramel Pecans

• Pecans: Choose whole pecan halves for the best texture and crunch.
• Butter: Unsalted butter will give the caramel a creamy texture and flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar forms the base of the caramel sauce, giving it sweetness and depth.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the caramel, creating that smooth, luscious texture.
• Vanilla Extract: For a subtle hint of flavor that enhances the caramel.
• Sea Salt: A generous sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness and makes the caramel even more irresistible.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these salty-sweet gems? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step is key to enhancing their flavor and making them extra crispy.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar. Allow the sugar to dissolve and begin to bubble for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it—once it starts bubbling, you’ll see the magic happen.

Step 3: Add the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious! Keep stirring until it becomes smooth and thickens slightly, which should take about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Flavor It

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the sea salt and mix to combine. This is the moment when the sweet and salty magic happens—your caramel is now ready!

Step 5: Coat the Pecans

Add the toasted pecans to the caramel sauce. Stir gently to coat the pecans in the rich caramel. Make sure each pecan gets a nice coating of that beautiful caramel goodness.

Step 6: Let Them Cool

Transfer the caramel-coated pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out in an even layer. Allow them to cool completely. As they cool, the caramel will harden, giving the pecans a delightful crunchy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pecans have cooled and the caramel has set, they’re ready to enjoy! You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 85mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecans

On Their Own
These salted caramel pecans are absolutely delicious on their own. Keep a jar of them around the house for an easy, sweet snack when you need a little pick-me-up.

Topping for Ice Cream
Add these to your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt for a sweet, crunchy topping that takes your dessert to the next level.

As a Salad Topping
For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some of these pecans on a salad with goat cheese, arugula, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The sweet, salty crunch pairs perfectly with the tangy greens.

In Baked Goods
Crush them up and use them as a filling or topping for cakes, muffins, or cookies. They’ll add a wonderful texture and flavor to any baked good.

As a Gift
Pack these caramel-coated pecans into cute jars with a ribbon for an easy and thoughtful gift. Who wouldn’t love a jar of these irresistible treats?

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Sea Salt

For the best flavor, use coarse sea salt or flaky salt. The larger crystals add a satisfying crunch and burst of saltiness to each bite.

Make Them Extra Crunchy

If you like an even crunchier texture, let the caramel-coated pecans cool for a bit longer. The longer they cool, the firmer the caramel will get, giving them a satisfying crunch.

Stir the Caramel Constantly

When making caramel, it’s important to keep stirring to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn. Stirring constantly will help achieve that smooth, silky texture.

Customize the Flavor

You can easily customize the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little splash of bourbon for a unique twist.

Store Them Right

Keep your cooled salted caramel pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can use almonds, walnuts, or cashews instead of pecans. Just be sure to toast them to bring out their natural flavors.

Q2: How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
A2: Always keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. If the caramel starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat and continue stirring.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! These can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also make great gifts if packaged nicely.

Q4: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A4: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be careful not to add too much additional sea salt to the recipe. Taste and adjust as needed.

Q5: Can I add a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel sauce?
A5: Yes! A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the caramel perfectly.

Q6: Can I store these in the fridge?
A6: Yes, you can refrigerate them, but the caramel may become a little harder. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Q7: How do I get the pecans to stay coated in caramel?
A7: Be sure to stir the pecans gently into the caramel while it’s still warm, then allow them to cool on a parchment-lined sheet. The caramel will set and hold the coating.

Q8: Can I make these without heavy cream?
A8: You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but the flavor may be slightly different.

Q9: Can I freeze these pecans?
A9: Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely before freezing.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A10: To enjoy them warm again, heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. They’ll soften up and be just as delicious as when they were freshly made.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Pecans are a sweet and salty treat that you’ll want to have on hand at all times. Whether you’re indulging in them as a snack, topping your ice cream, or adding them to your favorite desserts, they’re always a hit. This simple recipe will leave you hooked, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up again and again. Enjoy!

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