If you adore the perfect balance of sweet and salty snacks, you are going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe. Imagine crunchy pecan halves enveloped in a rich, buttery caramel with just the right hint of sea salt to make every bite unforgettable. It’s a simple treat with luxurious flavor, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a touch of magic to your desserts. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a personal favorite that I love to share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in building these irresistible salted caramel pecans. From the buttery richness to the precise splash of vanilla, each component contributes to the flavor, texture, and appearance of this snack.
- 2 cups pecan halves: The star of the show, providing a crunchy, nutty base with natural sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Essential for creating that luscious caramel coating with perfect sweetness.
- ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly, creating a smooth caramel base.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the caramel.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling): Enhances the sweetness while adding a delightful salty contrast.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and helps your pecans cool evenly. Having everything ready before you start is key because the caramel cooks quickly and you’ll want to move fast once it reaches the perfect amber color.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves. Then, resist the urge to stir further as the mixture simmers—that’s the secret to a silky caramel without graininess. Keep an eye on the sugar as it transforms to a deep amber hue, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter, Salt, and Vanilla
Once the caramel reaches a rich amber tone, remove the pot from heat. Carefully stir in the unsalted butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so caution is essential here to avoid burns. This step is what elevates the caramel to a buttery, fragrant dream.
Step 4: Coat the Pecans
Quickly add your pecan halves into the caramel mixture, stirring until each piece is luxuriously coated. Speed matters because the caramel cools fast and you want even coverage. Immediately spread the pecans out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer to set.
Step 5: Finish with a Touch of Salt
While the pecans are still warm, sprinkle additional sea salt over the top. This final flourish gives you those delightful salty bursts that make the Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe so unforgettable. Let everything cool completely before handling.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Salted caramel pecans themselves are so flavorful that they don’t require much embellishment. However, for a beautiful presentation, consider a light dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. These extra touches can make your snack table a real showstopper.
Side Dishes
These pecans pair wonderfully with cheese boards, adding crunchy sweetness alongside sharp cheddars and creamy bries. They’re also fantastic sprinkled over vanilla ice cream or incorporated into a salad for a sweet-savory crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try packaging your salted caramel pecans in decorative jars as gifts for friends and family during the holidays. Or use them as a topping for cupcakes and cakes to add texture and a gorgeous flavor twist. The versatility of this Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe means your imagination is the only limit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your salted caramel pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making them a perfect ready-to-enjoy snack when cravings strike.
Freezing
You can freeze salted caramel pecans in a sealed container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature to retain their snap and caramel flavor without any sogginess.
Reheating
If you’d like to refresh your pecans’ crispness, warm them for a couple of minutes in a low oven (around 275°F). This will revive their crunch without melting the caramel coating.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully with this caramel coating. Keep in mind that each nut has a slightly different roasting time and flavor, so adjust as needed.
What causes caramel to crystallize and how can I avoid it?
Stirring the sugar after it dissolves encourages crystallization. To avoid this, stir only until dissolved, then let the mixture cook undisturbed. Using clean utensils and a clean pan also helps.
Is there a way to make these pecans less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar quantity slightly or add more sea salt according to your taste. Just be cautious not to change proportions too much, or it might affect the caramel’s texture.
Can I toast pecans before coating them?
Yes, toasting pecans beforehand adds an extra layer of nuttiness and crunchiness. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet or oven until fragrant, then proceed with coating them in caramel.
How long does the caramel coating take to set?
It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature for the caramel to cool and harden properly, giving the pecans that perfect snap when you bite.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe is such a rewarding experience—simple ingredients transform into a decadent snack that dazzles every time. Whether you’re treating yourself, impressing guests, or creating heartfelt gifts, these pecans are sure to win hearts. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to for sweet and salty cravings!
Print
Salted Caramel Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these rich and crunchy Salted Caramel Pecans, a perfect sweet snack featuring pecan halves coated in a decadent homemade salted caramel. This easy stovetop recipe yields a deliciously addictive treat with deep amber caramel flavor, enhanced by a touch of sea salt and vanilla extract.
Ingredients
Salted Caramel Pecans Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to be ready for the caramel-coated pecans.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved, then stop stirring. Allow the mixture to simmer undisturbed until it reaches a deep amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes, developing a rich caramel flavor.
- Add Butter, Salt, and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully stir in unsalted butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble aggressively, so proceed with caution to avoid burns.
- Coat Pecans: Quickly stir in the pecan halves until they are fully coated with the hot caramel mixture, ensuring every piece is glazed evenly.
- Cool and Set: Spread the caramel-coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with additional sea salt for an extra salty-sweet balance. Allow them to cool completely until the caramel hardens, then break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Do not over-stir the sugar and water mixture after it dissolves to prevent crystallization of the caramel.
- For added depth of flavor, toast the pecans lightly before coating them in caramel.
- Store pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
