Description
Irresistible Sweet and Salty Pecan Delights combine rich caramel and roasted pecans for a mouthwatering treat. Crunchy, buttery pecans glazed with caramel and sprinkled with sea salt create an addictive snack you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts:
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) pecan halves
Sugars:
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) butter
- ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or rum extract
Instructions
- Prepare a large sheet pan by lining it with wax paper and lightly greasing with cooking spray or softened butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Gather a deep, microwave-safe bowl and combine pecan halves, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, and sea salt, mixing ingredients thoroughly to create an even base for the caramel coating.
- Position the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 6 1/2 minutes, pausing at the 3-minute interval to stir the mixture and prevent potential burning or uneven caramelization.
- After complete microwaving, carefully remove the hot bowl and vigorously stir the caramel to guarantee all pecans are uniformly coated with the sweet mixture.
- If the caramel appears too liquid, return to the microwave for additional 1-minute intervals, monitoring closely to achieve the ideal consistency.
- Introduce vanilla extract into the warm caramel mixture, stirring gently to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the pecan clusters.
- Using a small cookie scoop (or 45 milliliters) or two tablespoons, carefully drop individual pecan clusters onto the prepared wax paper, maintaining consistent sizing.
- Enhance the flavor profile by delicately sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the top of each caramel pecan cluster.
- Allow the clusters to cool and solidify at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the caramel has set and become firm to the touch.
Notes
- Prepare your workspace by lining a baking sheet with wax paper and lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a deep microwave-safe bowl, ensuring enough room to prevent overflow during heating.
- Microwave carefully, stirring at the 3-minute mark to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning of sugars and pecans.
- Watch caramel consistency closely; if too runny, return to microwave in short increments to achieve the perfect coating texture.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform clusters, creating professional-looking candied pecans with minimal effort.
- Finish with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet and savory flavor profile, balancing the caramel’s richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Microwave, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg