Caramel and caramel pecan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 1 ½ cups caramel sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Sauce / Topping / Dessert
Ingredients
For Basic Caramel Sauce:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
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½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For Caramel Pecan Sauce (optional add-on):
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1 cup pecan halves, toasted
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Additional pinch of sea salt (optional)
Equipment
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Heavy-bottomed saucepan
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Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Heatproof bowl
Time & Effort
| Task | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 5 minutes | Easy |
| Cook | 15 minutes | Easy |
| Total | 20 minutes | Easy |
Instructions
Step 1: Make Basic Caramel Sauce
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In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar gently. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula as sugar melts and turns into a golden amber liquid. Be careful not to burn.
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Once sugar is fully melted and golden, carefully add butter (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until butter is fully melted and combined.
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Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble again—keep stirring until smooth.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
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Let cool slightly before using. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Step 2: Toast Pecans
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In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Make Caramel Pecan Sauce
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After preparing the caramel sauce, stir in the toasted pecans.
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Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the sauce for a salted caramel pecan flavor.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
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Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or brownies.
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Use as a dip for apple slices or pretzels.
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Spread on pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
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Stir into coffee or milkshakes for a caramel pecan twist.
Nutrition (Approximate per 2 tbsp serving)
| Nutrient | Caramel Sauce | Caramel Pecan Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal | ~150 kcal |
| Fat | ~7g | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~16g | ~16g |
| Sugar | ~16g | ~15g |
| Protein | <1g | 1g |
