Southern Pecan Caramel Sauce Recipe

Discover the allure of this Homemade Caramel Sauce that effortlessly transforms ordinary desserts into unforgettable experiences. Its rich, butter-infused caramel accented by toasted pecans, sea salt, and vanilla creates an enticing harmony of sweet and savory. Share it at family gatherings to elevate your favorite treats for pure dessert delight.

I love making my Southern Pecan Caramel Sauce because it just hits all the right notes for any sweet treat. I start with one cup of granulated sugar and a quarter cup water, letting them meld together before adding six tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut up into pieces.

Once the base has come together, I slowly stir in half a cup of warmed heavy cream along with half a teaspoon of sea salt and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The real magic happens when I fold in one cup of toasted, roughly chopped pecans giving it that nutty crunch.

This is not your average ice cream sauce its a rich, decadent topping perfect for summer treats and Southern desserts alike. I’ve put it over puddings and even paired it with a drizzle of fudge sauce to amp up the flavor game and I have to say its simply irresistible.

Enjoy every drop.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I really enjoy how the toasted pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the super smooth caramel. Second, the salty and sweet mix is just perfect—it hits that spot every time and makes my taste buds dance. Third, I appreciate how simple it is to put together; even if you’re not a cooking expert, you can follow along and end up with a delicious sauce. And lastly, it’s amazing over ice cream or on other desserts, which makes it a versatile treat for any time I crave something sweet.

This is a homemade caramel sauce recipe with toasted pecans and sea salt. It is really easy to make, and you can have it ready in just a few minutes. I found that letting the caramel turn that rich amber color and then mixing in the butter and warm heavy cream just gives it a great flavor. Adding the sea salt and vanilla afterwards makes a huge difference, since it makes the sauce pop on your tongue. I even toss in rough chopped toasted pecans for that extra crunch, and it is simply awesome on ice cream or your favorite summer treats. Trust me, once you’ve made this, you wont want to go back to boring old toppings.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar provides essential sweetness and carbohydrates, creating a rich and inviting carbohydrate base.
• Unsalted butter infuses silky richness and essential fats, heightening the sauce’s mouthwatering flavor profile.
• Heavy cream adds smooth texture and creaminess, offering beneficial fats and a touch of protein.
• Sea salt improves flavor balance by accenting sweetness with a slight pinch of savory depth.
• Vanilla extract imparts warm, aromatic notes that subtly complement the sauce’s sweet caramel flavor.
• Toasted pecans add crunch and fiber while lending a nutty flavor, enhancing the sauce’s texture.
• Each ingredient unites in a simple yet decadent blend that embodies Southern charm.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped

How to Make this

1. Start by making sure your toasted pecans are ready; if needed, toast them in a pan or the oven until they smell really nutty.

2. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix the 1 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Once the sugar water starts boiling, let it cook without stirring so it can turn a nice golden amber color; you can gently swirl the pan if needed.

4. When the sugar has reached a rich amber, carefully add the 6 tablespoons of butter pieces and stir until they’re fully melted.

5. Slowly pour in the warmed 1/2 cup heavy cream, watching out for bubbles because the mixture might bubble up really fast.

6. Bring the sauce back to a simmer for about a minute while stirring constantly so that everything blends well.

7. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

8. Stir in the 1 cup of roughly chopped toasted pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the sauce.

9. Let the sauce cool a few minutes at room temprature; it will get thicker as it cools down.

10. Serve it warm over ice cream or drizzled on your favorite summer desserts and enjoy this sweet southern treat!

Equipment Needed

1. A pan or oven tray for toasting the pecans
2. A heavy bottomed saucepan for making the sugar cream sauce
3. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of sugar, water, butter, cream, salt, and vanilla
4. A long-handled stirring spoon so you can mix the sauce without burning your hands
5. A heatproof bowl or plate to set aside and keep the toasted pecans ready

FAQ

Southern Pecan Caramel Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Granulated sugar: You could use brown sugar instead to bring out a rich, molasses flavor. Use it in equal amounts.
• Unsalted butter: If you dont have unsalted butter, use salted butter but reduce the added salt a bit.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half can work in a pinch for a lighter sauce, though the creaminess may be a tad less.
• Sea salt: Kosher salt is a good substitute. Use about 3/4 the amount since it is less concentrated.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really keep an eye on your sugar once it starts boiling – it can burn faster than you think, and a little burnt flavor can really mess up the whole sauce.
2. When you add the heavy cream, don’t rush it. Warming the cream before you pour it in is super important coz cold cream can cause the mixture to bubble up crazy and might even splatter everywhere.
3. Stir gently yet constantly after you add the butter and cream to keep everything smooth; it helps the sauce mix well without getting lumpy or uneven.
4. Toast your pecans until they’re just perfectly nutty and fragrant; sometimes even a couple of extra minutes in the pan can really boost the flavor, so don’t be shy about giving them that extra attention.