Description
This Salted Caramel Pecans recipe features crunchy pecan halves coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce with a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Perfect as a snack, topping for desserts, or gift treat, these pecans come together quickly in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salted Caramel Pecans
- 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
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Set aside pecan halves, butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the packed brown sugar until fully combined and the mixture starts to bubble gently.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the vanilla extract and continue to stir until the caramel sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Combine Pecans and Caramel: Add the pecan halves to the caramel sauce, stirring carefully to coat each nut evenly with the caramel mixture.
- Cook and Coat: Let the pecans cook in the caramel sauce for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to allow the caramel to thicken around the nuts.
- Cool and Set: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spoon the caramel-coated pecans onto the sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with additional sea salt immediately for an extra salty kick.
- Allow to Cool: Let the pecans cool completely at room temperature until the caramel hardens and crisps up, about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
- Stir constantly when adding cream to avoid the caramel seizing up.
- Store salted caramel pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
