As the leaves turn and the air cools, there’s something about the combination of caramel and pecans that brings the essence of fall to life. Warm, sweet, and nutty flavors create the perfect harmony for autumn treats. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon at home, these 14 caramel pecan recipes will bring you that blissful taste of fall heaven. Grab your apron and get ready to be inspired!
Caramel Pecan Pie
An iconic autumn classic combined with sweet caramel.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie shell
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in pecans and pour into pie shell.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until set. Cool before slicing.
Make it Unique:
- Swap out pecans for walnuts for a different flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for a rich twist.
Caramel Pecan Brownies
These brownies are goopy, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Process:
- Melt butter and mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, cocoa, and pecans. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Make it Unique:
- Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for depth.
- Add sea salt on top for a salted caramel effect.
Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
Rich, creamy cheesecake meets sweet, nutty goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and butter for crust.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Pour into crust.
- Bake 50-60 minutes. Cool, then top with caramel sauce and pecans.
Make it Unique:
- Use a flavored crust, like chocolate cookies.
- Top with whipped cream for extra decadence.
Caramel Pecan Rolls
These rolls are the perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 package instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sticky caramel
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Process:
- Mix flour, yeast, and sugar. In another bowl, warm milk and butter, then add to dry ingredients with egg. Knead into dough.
- Let rise for 1 hour. Roll out, spread caramel, and sprinkle pecans. Roll up and cut into pieces.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add cinnamon to the caramel mix for flavor.
- Drizzle with chocolate glaze after baking.
Caramel Pecan Tarts
Delightfully bite-sized and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 package tart shells
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake tart shells as directed.
- Fill each shell with caramel sauce and top with pecans. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Make it Unique:
- Offer various fillings like chocolate ganache before adding pecans.
- Use an assortment of nuts for variety.
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
Perfectly sweet and impossibly sticky—ideal for brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 package cinnamon roll dough
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Process:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a pan, melt butter and mix with brown sugar and caramel.
- Pour mixture into the bottom of a baking dish and sprinkle with pecans. Place rolls on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown.
Make it Unique:
- Add raisins or dried cherries for a fruity twist.
- Serve with a cream cheese frosting on the side.
Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Sundaes
This is the ultimate sweet treat for any season.
Ingredients:
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Whipped cream (optional)
Process:
- In a bowl, add scoops of ice cream.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously on top and sprinkle with pecans.
- Add whipped cream, if desired.
Make it Unique:
- Alter the ice cream flavor (like salted caramel) for more depth.
- Include fresh fruit or chocolate chips for added texture.
Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake
Every bite of this cake complements your coffee perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and buttermilk.
- Mix flour and baking powder, then fold into wet ingredients. Pour batter into a greased pan and drizzle with caramel.
- Sprinkle pecans on top and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add spices like cinnamon for warmth.
- Use a layer of tart fruit under the batter for a tangy contrast.
Caramel Pecan Crumble
Simple and satisfying dessert that’s easy to whip up.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple slices
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup pecans
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss apple slices with sugar and place in a baking dish.
- Combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter, then stir in pecans. Spread over fruit.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Make it Unique:
- Swap apples for pears or peaches.
- Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Caramel Pecan Energy Bites
Nutritious and delicious, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel bits
Process:
- Combine oats, almond butter, honey, pecans, and caramel bits in a bowl until mixed.
- Form into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Enjoy as a snack anytime!
Make it Unique:
- Use peanut butter instead of almond butter for a different taste.
- Experiment with dried fruit additions for extra sweetness.
Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
A simplified pie experience in bar form.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup pecans
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, brown sugar, and butter to make a crumbly base. Press into a pan.
- Whisk corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then stir in pecans. Pour over the base.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
Make it Unique:
- Top with chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Swap pecans for other nuts like hazelnuts.
Caramel Pecan Pancakes
Start your day with a warm, delicious breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Process:
- Mix pancake mix, milk, and egg in a bowl until smooth. Fold in pecans.
- Pour batter onto a hot griddle, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve stacked, drizzled with caramel sauce.
Make it Unique:
- Add banana slices into the batter for flavor.
- Experiment with flavored syrup toppings.
Caramel Pecan Cookies
A delightful spin on classic cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Process:
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and mix well.
- Combine flour and baking soda, then mix into wet ingredients. Fold in pecans and caramel bits.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Substitute chocolate chips for caramel bits for extra chocolate goodness.
- Add spices like cinnamon for a holiday flair.
Caramel Pecan Clusters
These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Process:
- Melt caramel bits in a microwave for 30 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in pecans and drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and let set.
Make it Unique:
- Use almond or cashew for different nut flavors.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white or dark.
As you embrace fall with these caramel pecan creations, you’re sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your gatherings or quiet moments at home. From pies and brownies to breakfast and energy bites, there’s something for every occasion. Happy baking!