Making homemade caramel with pecans is not only delicious, but it’s also a cherished tradition for my family. This sweet and chewy pecan caramel has become a favorite treat, especially during the holiday season. Even though my oldest daughter is serving in the Navy and can’t be with us, my youngest daughter and I continue to make this delightful treat year after year.
Homemade Goodness and Family Bonding
When my daughter comes home on leave, she joins in the caramel-making fun. We enjoy the process of creating this gooey delight together, and of course, indulging in its deliciousness. Making your own caramel has a special touch and taste that you just can’t find in store-bought versions. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t go back!
The original recipe for this caramel came from my dear friend Margaret many years ago. Since then, I have added pecans to make it even more delightful. But it’s worth noting that this caramel is delicious on its own as well. I hope you’ll enjoy making this caramel for many years to come. It truly is a treat that warms the heart!
Try this Irresistible Pecan Caramel Today
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 box (16 oz) of light brown sugar
- 1 cup of light corn syrup
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- Dash of salt (optional)
- ¾ cup of chopped pecans
Instructions:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and salt, and stir thoroughly.
- Add the light corn syrup and continue to stir.
- Slowly pour in the condensed milk while stirring.
- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once the caramel starts to boil, continue cooking until it reaches 230°F. This should take about 16-18 minutes, while stirring constantly.
- To test for the desired “soft ball stage,” drop a small amount of caramel into a bowl of cold water at 230°F. It should feel soft but somewhat firm between your fingers. If it’s too soft, continue cooking and testing until you reach the right texture.
- Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel into a generously buttered 9×13 glass baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the caramel. Gently press them down to set them into the caramel. Let it cool.
- Once the caramel is cooled, remove it from the baking dish and place it on a piece of wax paper. I prefer using a buttered spatula to prevent sticking.
- Cut the caramel into bite-size pieces.
- You can wrap each piece individually in wax paper and twist the ends, or place the caramel in a container with wax paper layers.
Enjoy Every Decadent Bite!
Now, it’s time to indulge in the rich and chewy goodness of your homemade pecan caramel. Each bite is a perfect combination of sweet caramel and crunchy pecans that will leave you craving for more. Share this delightful treat with your loved ones or savor it all yourself. It’s a holiday tradition worth cherishing!
Note: Copyright information and recipe size clarification have been removed to simplify the article for your convenience.
