Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery caramel and toasty pecans with these homemade Pecan Caramel Candies. Perfectly sweet with a hint of crunch, these bite-sized treats are made by drizzling rich, golden caramel over clusters of pecan halves, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. A touch of vanilla enhances the caramel's depth, while a sprinkle of sea salt (optional) adds an irresistible sweet-salty twist. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this simple yet elegant recipe is ideal for holiday gifting, party platters, or satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week. Easy to make and utterly decadent, these candies will quickly become a favorite!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Arrange the pecan halves in clusters of three or four on the prepared sheet, leaving some space between each cluster.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the butter is melted.
Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, ensuring the tip does not touch the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C). This will take approximately 15–20 minutes.
Once the caramel reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Using a small spoon, carefully drizzle the hot caramel over each pecan cluster on the baking sheet. Ensure the caramel covers most of the pecans to hold them together.
Optional: While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each candy for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
Allow the candies to cool and set at room temperature for about 1–2 hours. Once set, gently peel them off the parchment paper.
Store the pecan caramel candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Calories |
3924 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 296.8 g | 381% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.2 g | 516% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 428 mg | 143% | |
| Sodium | 1210 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 318.8 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 298.4 g | ||
| Protein | 19.0 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 846 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.