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1. Prepare Your Pans and Pecan:
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan (or similar size) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Toast the pecans: If you want an extra flavor boost, toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool down before using them for the candy.
2. Make the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to come to a simmer.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while continuously stirring. Allow it to boil for about 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Be careful to not let the caramel burn, so continue to stir constantly.
- Once it has reached the right thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. This adds depth to the caramel flavor.
3. Add the Pecans:
- Gently fold the toasted pecans into the caramel mixture, ensuring that they are evenly coated in the sweet, gooey caramel sauce. The warmth of the caramel will allow the pecans to absorb some of the delicious caramel flavor, making them even more irresistible.
4. Pour Into the Prepared Pan:
- Pour the caramel-pecan mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout.
- If you’d like a slight crunch on the outside, you can sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top of the caramel while it’s still warm, giving it a glossy, sugared finish.
5. Chill to Set:
- Allow the pecan caramel mixture to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s fully set. The caramel should firm up and hold its shape.
6. Cut and Serve:
- Once your candy has set, carefully remove it from the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized squares or rectangular pieces, depending on your preference.
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of each piece to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile of the candy.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Pecan Caramel Candy:
- Rich and Buttery Flavor: The caramel in this recipe is rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth, with a perfect balance of sweetness. The pecans add a wonderful nutty crunch, making each bite irresistible.
- Simple and Easy to Make: Unlike many candy recipes that require specialized ingredients or tools, this pecan caramel candy is simple to make with just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience. It’s perfect for beginner candy makers and experienced chefs alike.
- Customizable: You can make this recipe your own by adjusting the type of nuts used (walnuts or almonds would also work well) or adding extras like chocolate drizzle for even more indulgence.
- Great for Gifting: Homemade candy is always a hit when given as a gift. Package your pecan caramel candy in a beautiful tin or jar, and it makes the perfect sweet treat for holidays, birthdays, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Caramel Candy:
- Watch the Caramel Closely: Caramel can go from perfectly sweet to burned very quickly, so be sure to watch it carefully as it simmers. Stir constantly and avoid turning up the heat too high.
- Storage: Store your homemade pecan caramel candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.
- Make it a bit more indulgent: For extra richness, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled caramel pecan pieces before serving or gifting. You can also top the candy with crushed toffee or a sprinkle of chopped chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
- Temperature Matters: If the caramel isn’t setting properly, it may need to cook for a few more minutes to reach the right consistency. A candy thermometer can be helpful, aiming for a temperature of about 240°F (115°C) for the perfect soft-ball stage.
Conclusion:
This homemade pecan caramel candy is the perfect combination of creamy caramel and crunchy pecans, delivering a sweet and salty treat that everyone will love. It’s simple to make and delivers big flavor without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your own sweet tooth or make a batch for friends and family, this candy will certainly be a hit.
So grab your apron, toast some pecans, and get ready to create a batch of homemade candy that’s both delicious and satisfying. Once you try it, you won’t be able to stop at just one piece—it’s that good!
