Gooey Extra Pecan Caramel Bites Recipe: Bite-Sized Bliss

Crafting delectable pecan caramel bites sparks pure culinary magic in my kitchen.

Sweet aromas drift through every corner, promising indulgent moments.

caramel golden richness combines perfectly with nutty pecans, creating an irresistible treat.

Crunchy pecans add delightful texture against smooth, silky caramel layers.

Each bite promises a symphony of contrasting sensations that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with careful technique and passion.

Tempt your taste buds and surprise everyone with these delightful little morsels that are impossible to resist.

Extra Pecan Caramel Bites – Nutty, Sweet, and Addictive

• Quick to Craft: Whip up these delightful bites with minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for baking beginners or seasoned dessert lovers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers with their irresistible combination of sweet caramel and crunchy pecans.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a luxurious dessert using just a few simple pantry staples, saving time and reducing grocery shopping stress.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal steps and straightforward technique mean you can create these decadent treats without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy lifestyles.

Pecan Caramel Bite Ingredient Rundown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the crust.

• Caramel Candies: The primary source of smooth, rich caramel flavor for these bite-sized treats.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious texture when melted with caramel candies.

• Pecan Halves: Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch and complement the sweet caramel perfectly.

Baking Up Extra Pecan Caramel Bites Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a muffin tin or mini cupcake pan and line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Mix until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly damp mixture that holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Pack Down the Crust

Use a spoon to press a small amount of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each liner.

Make sure to compact it firmly so the base is solid and even.

Step 4: Bake the Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns a light golden color.

Remove and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Melt Caramel Goodness

• Caramel candies
• Heavy cream

Step 6: Transform Caramel

Microwave the caramel mixture in short 20-second bursts.

Stir between each interval until the caramel becomes silky smooth and fully melted.

Step 7: Drench the Crust

Carefully spoon the liquid caramel over each crust base.

Allow it to flow slightly over the edges for a decadent, messy look.

Step 8: Crown with Pecans

Place toasted pecan halves on top of each caramel-covered bite.

The pecans will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 9: Extra Caramel Splash

If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle additional caramel over the pecans for an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Pop the bites into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

This helps the caramel set slightly.

Once chilled, serve and watch everyone enjoy these delectable treats.

Pro Tips for Gooey Caramel and Toasted Pecans

• Lightly roast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, richer taste before adding to the bites.
• Use parchment paper liners or lightly grease silicone muffin cups to ensure easy removal of caramel bites without sticking.
• Stir caramel mixture gently and consistently to avoid burning, ensuring a silky-smooth texture for your bites.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity in the crust to match your preferred sweetness, using less for a more subtle flavor profile.
• Prepare these bites up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.

Variations for Caramel Bites – Mix In Chocolate or More Nuts

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly treat that maintains the same rich, buttery base.
• Vegan Caramel Bites: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free caramel sauce made from dates and coconut cream, and top with raw pecans for a plant-based alternative.
• Chocolate Lover's Option: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate over the caramel or mix cocoa powder into the crust for an intense chocolate-caramel combination.
• Salted Caramel Upgrade: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer to enhance the sweet-salty flavor profile and create a more gourmet-style dessert bite.

Serving Pecan Caramel Bites at Gatherings

Cozy Dessert Companions: A sweet treat deserves equally delightful pairings that elevate the experience.

• Coffee Cuddle: Serve these caramel pecan bites alongside a warm cappuccino or rich espresso, letting the coffee's depth complement the sweet caramel notes.
• Ice Cream Indulgence: Top a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream with a crumbled bite for a decadent sundae-style dessert that combines temperatures and textures.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create an elegant mini dessert board featuring these bites with dark chocolate pieces, fresh berries, and a small dollop of whipped cream for a sophisticated presentation.

Storing Extra Pecan Caramel Bites for Snacking

• Place Extra Pecan Caramel Bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Store in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days, ensuring they're covered to prevent moisture and dust contamination.
• Gently warm bites in microwave for 8-10 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore soft caramel consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor profile and crunch.

• How do I toast pecans for this recipe?

Simply spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in a 350F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until they become fragrant and slightly darker.

• Are graham cracker crumbs necessary for the base?

Graham cracker crumbs provide a sweet, buttery foundation, but you can also use crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies as an alternative.

Extra Pecan Caramel Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pecan Caramel Bites offer a sweet symphony of rich caramel and crunchy pecans, perfectly balanced in each delectable morsel. Sinful and irresistible, these treats promise a luxurious escape that brings pure bliss with every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or shortbread crumbs
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 cup caramel candies or caramel bits

Base Components:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Caramel and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) heavy cream
• Extra caramel drizzle (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin or mini cupcake pan with paper liners for easy removal.
2. Blend graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand.
3. Firmly press a small spoonful of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each liner, creating a compact and even crust foundation.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a light golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Combine caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, preparing for smooth caramel melting.
6. Heat the caramel mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval to prevent burning and ensure uniform consistency.
7. Carefully pour the silky melted caramel over each cooled crust base, allowing it to slightly overflow for a decadent presentation.
8. Arrange toasted pecan halves strategically on top of the caramel layer, ensuring even distribution and attractive appearance.
9. Optional: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the pecans for an extra luxurious touch and enhanced flavor profile.
10. Chill the caramel bites in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help the caramel set and enhance the textural contrast.

Notes

• Choose high-quality graham crackers with rich butter flavor for a more decadent crust foundation.
• Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty depth and aromatic profile.
• Use soft caramel candies that melt smoothly without crystallizing for a silky, rich texture.
• Keep refrigeration time short to maintain the perfect balance between gooey caramel and crisp pecan crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg