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:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For Caramel Pecan Sauce (optional add-on):

• 1 cup pecan halves, toasted

• Additional pinch of sea salt (optional)

 Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan

• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Heatproof bowl

 Time & Effort

 Instructions

 Step 1: Make Basic Caramel Sauce

1. 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.

2. Once sugar is fully melted and golden, carefully add butter (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until butter is fully melted and combined.

3. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble again—keep stirring until smooth.

4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

5. Let cool slightly before using. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

 Step 2: Toast Pecans

1. 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

1. After preparing the caramel sauce, stir in the toasted pecans.

2. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the sauce for a salted caramel pecan flavor.

3. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or brownies.

• Use as a dip for apple slices or pretzels.

• Spread on pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

• Stir into coffee or milkshakes for a caramel pecan twist.

 Nutrition (Approximate per 2 tbsp serving)