Description
These Salted Caramel Pecans are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with crunchy, roasted pecans coated in a rich caramel sauce and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Great as a snack, topping for desserts, or even as a gift, these irresistible nuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the pecan halves evenly on the prepared baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant and slightly browned. Stir halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove from the oven and set aside. - Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. - Add the Cream and Vanilla:
Carefully add the heavy cream to the caramel mixture, whisking to combine. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. - Coat the Pecans:
Pour the toasted pecans into the saucepan with the caramel sauce. Stir well to coat the pecans evenly with the caramel. - Cool and Set:
Transfer the caramel-coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into an even layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of additional sea salt. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet until the caramel hardens (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). - Serve:
Once cooled, the salted caramel pecans are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Enjoy:
Serve these as a snack, sprinkle them over salads, or use them to top cakes, ice cream, or yogurt!
Notes
- If you prefer a less intense caramel flavor, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- For an extra crunchy texture, you can also toss the pecans in a bit of cinnamon before toasting.
- You can substitute other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for pecans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg