Name: Salted Caramel Pecan Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pecan halves, lightly toasted; 20 soft caramel candies or 1 cup soft caramel sauce; 2 tbsp heavy cream (if using caramel candies); 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes; 1 cup dark or milk chocolate, melted; 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)

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Salted Caramel Pecan Bites are decadent, chewy confections combining buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and a touch of sea salt. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, ideal for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with an afternoon coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients with an impressive result
No extensive baking required
Perfect for parties, holidays, or homemade gifts
The ideal blend of sweet caramel and crunchy pecans with a hint of salt

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

soft caramels or homemade caramel
pecans
butter
vanilla extract (optional)
sea salt flakes

Directions

Toast pecans lightly in a dry pan or oven until fragrant.
Melt caramels with a small amount of butter over low heat until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract if using.
Add pecans to the caramel mixture and coat evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper to form individual bites.
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt before they set.
Allow to cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 20–24 bites
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Setting time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Dip cooled bites halfway in melted chocolate
Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans
Add crushed pretzels for added texture

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid reheating, as the caramel may become overly soft or melt.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade caramel provides excellent flavour and texture.

Do the bites need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration is optional but helps them maintain their shape in warm environments.

Can I toast the pecans in advance?

Yes, toasted pecans keep well for several days in an airtight container.

Can I use salted pecans?

Yes, but adjust the sea salt garnish accordingly.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Stirring chocolate chips into hot caramel will melt them, but you may drizzle chocolate on top once cooled.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze salted caramel pecan bites?

Freezing is possible but may slightly alter texture once thawed.

How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?

Melt it over low heat and avoid overheating, which causes caramel to firm excessively as it cools.

Can I make larger clusters instead of bites?

Yes, simply increase the spoonful size before shaping.

How long do they take to set?

Typically 15–20 minutes at room temperature.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Pecan Bites are a delightful combination of chewy caramel, toasted nuts, and a touch of salt. Their simplicity, elegance, and rich flavour make them a wonderful treat to prepare for gatherings or to enjoy at home.

Salted Caramel Pecan Bites

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Decadent no-bake salted caramel pecan bites made with toasted pecans, creamy caramel, and a touch of sea salt for the perfect sweet-salty treat.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 20 bites 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pecan halves, lightly toasted
20 soft caramel candies or 1 cup soft caramel sauce
2 tbsp heavy cream (if using caramel candies)
1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
1 cup dark or milk chocolate, melted
1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)

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Instructions

Place toasted pecan halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet in pairs.
In a small saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. If using caramel sauce, warm gently.
Spoon a small amount of caramel over each pecan pair to form the base.
Freeze for 10 minutes until caramel sets slightly.
Melt chocolate with coconut oil until smooth.
Dip each caramel pecan cluster into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top.
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until fully set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.