Extra Pecan Caramel Bites

Alright, these Extra Pecan Caramel Bites? They’re sweet, gooey, and loaded with toasted pecans in every little bite. Imagine buttery caramel wrapped around a crunchy pecan, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky salt—totally addicting.

I made them for a holiday tray, and let me tell you—they vanished in no time. That mix of soft caramel and nutty crunch? So simple, but so satisfying.

They’re super easy to pull together. Just melt, mix, scoop, and cool. Let’s make a batch together—you’re gonna want to pop one after another!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Texture & Taste: The bottom layer is buttery with a delicate crunch, the caramel middle is chewy and creamy, and the pecan topping offers a toasty, nutty contrast. Each bite gives you the full range of textures—soft, gooey, and crisp.
• Familiar Ingredients, Exceptional Flavor: These aren’t made with complicated ingredients. What sets them apart is how the components are layered and treated—especially the caramel, which is rich, silky, and made from real cream and butter for maximum depth.
• Perfect for Sharing: Their compact size and sturdy shape make them easy to transport, slice, and serve. Great for dessert trays, party platters, or gifting in small boxes or tins.
• Prep Ahead and Store Well: These bars hold up beautifully at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can make them a day in advance, slice them just before serving, and even freeze some for later.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you want a darker caramel, different nuts, or a chocolate drizzle, the base recipe is flexible enough to make it your own.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: About 25 minutes, including assembling ingredients and prepping layers
• Cook Time: Around 30 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of your caramel
• Cooling Time: At least 1 hour at room temperature before slicing
• Total Time: Just under 2 hours from start to finish

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 24 square bites, depending on how you slice them. For larger portions, cut into 16. For bite-sized pieces for a crowd, you can get up to 30 small bars.

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate

The steps are manageable even for a beginner baker, but the caramel requires close attention. You’ll need to stir frequently to avoid burning or separating. If you’ve never worked with melting caramels and cream before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it.

Best Time to Serve

These are excellent at room temperature, when the caramel is soft and chewy but holds its shape. If served cold, the caramel will be firmer and less gooey, which works great for neatly sliced bars at a buffet or party.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these bars successfully and with ease, here are the tools you’ll need:

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch Baking Pan: A square pan helps achieve uniform bites. Line it with parchment for easy removal.
• Mixing Bowls (at least two): One for the crust, another for assembling caramel ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially with the caramel and crust ratios.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the caramel mixture—choose a heatproof one.
• Small Saucepan: Preferably one with a heavy bottom to evenly melt the caramels and cream.
• Oven Mitts: For safety, especially when handling the hot caramel mixture.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cool the bars evenly before slicing.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: For clean, even slices once the bars are cooled.

Ingredients for Extra Pecan Caramel Bites

Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients and how they function in the recipe. These ingredients are simple but come together in a way that feels rich and special.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or shortbread crumbs): These crumbs form the base of the bites. Graham crackers give a familiar, honeyed note, while shortbread crumbs will add a richer, buttery flavor. Either works—choose based on your taste preference.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: This binds the crumbs into a cohesive crust and adds flavor. Always use unsalted so you can control the salt in the final dessert.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses depth and keeps the base from being bland. It also helps the crust crisp up slightly in the oven.

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup caramel candies or caramel baking bits: These melt down smoothly and save time compared to homemade caramel. Choose a quality brand with fewer artificial flavors.
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream: This loosens and enriches the melted caramel, making it easier to spread and giving it that soft-chew texture.
• ½ tablespoon butter (optional): For a silkier caramel and to prevent it from becoming too stiff once cooled.

For the Topping:

• 1 cup pecan halves: Lightly toasted for enhanced aroma and crunch. Toasting brings out the oils and gives the pecans a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Optional caramel drizzle: You can melt additional caramel or use store-bought sauce to drizzle over the top for a final glossy touch.

Variations for Extra Pecan Caramel Bites

This recipe is versatile. Here are some thoughtful ways to change it up without compromising flavor or structure:

• Chocolate Drizzle: After assembling the bites, melt dark or semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the top. It pairs beautifully with the caramel and pecans.
• Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) over the caramel layer before adding the pecans. The salt cuts the sweetness and gives a more complex flavor profile.
• Nut Swap: Pecans are classic, but you can use walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts. Toasted cashews give a rich, buttery twist.
• Cookie Base Alternative: Instead of graham crackers, use crushed digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even gingersnaps for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Mini Tart Version: Press the crust mixture into mini muffin tins and fill with caramel and a single pecan on top. These work great as bite-sized party treats.

How to Make Extra Pecan Caramel Bites: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break it down into clear stages, so you can follow along confidently whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Let the parchment overhang the sides a bit—this makes it easier to lift out the bars later. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base

• In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup melted unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
• Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pinched between your fingers.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to pack it down evenly.
• Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans

• While the crust is baking, toast 1 cup pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to smell nutty and deepen in color.
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the pecans.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer

• In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over low to medium heat, combine:
  • 1 cup caramel candies or caramel bits
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Optional: ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
• Stir constantly as the mixture begins to melt. It should take about 5–7 minutes to become smooth and glossy.
• Once fully melted and blended, remove from heat immediately to prevent burning or hardening.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

• Pour the warm caramel mixture over the baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
• Arrange the toasted pecan halves on top of the caramel while it’s still warm. You can line them up neatly for a decorative look or scatter them freely for a more rustic finish.
• If using an extra caramel drizzle, wait for the bars to cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle more caramel in a zigzag pattern across the top for visual appeal and added richness.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

• Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. The caramel should set up to a soft, chewy consistency—firm enough to slice cleanly but still tender.
• Once cooled, lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang.
• Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into 16–24 pieces, depending on your preferred size.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These bars are beautiful on their own, but a few finishing touches can elevate the experience:

• Serve each bite in a mini cupcake liner for individual portions, great for parties or dessert platters.
• Plate them alongside coffee or tea, as the richness of the caramel pairs well with warm, slightly bitter beverages.
• For special occasions, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or add a dark chocolate drizzle right before serving.

Storing Extra Pecan Caramel Bites

These bars store beautifully, making them a convenient make-ahead option:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Note that the caramel will firm up in the fridge. Let bars come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: These bites freeze well. Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use High-Quality Caramel: Not all caramel candies melt the same. Choose a trusted brand with minimal additives for a smoother finish.
• Don’t Rush the Caramel: Melt slowly over low to medium heat. High heat can cause scorching or a gritty texture.
• Toast the Pecans: It may seem like an extra step, but it enhances their flavor significantly.
• Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes lifting the bars out easy and prevents sticking, especially with the sticky caramel layer.
• Chill Before Slicing (If Needed): If your caramel is still too soft, chill the pan for 15–20 minutes to make slicing cleaner. A warm knife (run under hot water and dried) also helps cut through cleanly.

Nutrition

Below is an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 24 bars):

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	180 kcal
Carbohydrates	18 g
Protein	1.5 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	50 mg
Sugar	11 g
Fiber	1 g
Iron	0.4 mg
Calcium	15 mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Extra Pecan Caramel Bites FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These bars are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare them a day before serving and store them in an airtight container. The flavor and texture hold up very well over time.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel candies?
Absolutely. If you’re comfortable making caramel from scratch, you can use your own version. Just be sure it’s a thick, soft caramel that will hold its shape when sliced.

Do I have to toast the pecans?
Technically, no—but toasting enhances the flavor and gives a deeper, nuttier finish. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.

How do I cut clean slices without the caramel sticking?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If the caramel is sticky, lightly chill the bars and warm the knife blade under hot water before slicing.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Once fully cooled and sliced, layer the bars with parchment paper in an airtight container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Extra Pecan Caramel Bites are more than just another dessert bar—they’re a balance of buttery crust, rich and chewy caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans all in one tidy square. Whether you serve them for a gathering or keep a batch in the fridge for weeknight treats, they’re a reliable go-to when you want something simple yet deeply satisfying.

You don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients—just a bit of care and a love for flavor-forward, homemade sweets. Once you try these, they might just earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.