This Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce is a luxurious topping that’s bursting with rich flavors. With buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and a hint of bourbon, it’s the perfect accompaniment to ice cream, pancakes, cakes, or even as a decadent gift. Easy to make and irresistibly indulgent, this sauce will elevate any dessert to gourmet status.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent: Combines buttery caramel with the nutty crunch of pecans and the warm kick of bourbon.
- Versatile: Perfect for drizzling over desserts, stirring into coffee, or as a dip for fruit.
- Easy to Make: Comes together in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Gift-Worthy: Packaged in jars, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Bourbon
- Pecans, toasted and chopped
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Directions
- Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring frequently until it turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until fully melted and combined.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so pour carefully. Stir until smooth.
- Incorporate Bourbon: Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add Pecans: Mix in the toasted pecans. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving or transferring to jars.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: About 1.5 cups of sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, spicy note.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans for a smooth caramel sauce.
- Extra Bourbon: For a bolder bourbon flavor, increase the amount slightly, but be cautious as it can overpower the caramel.
- Salted Caramel: Add a touch more salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor balance.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its pourable consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I omit the bourbon?
Yes, simply leave out the bourbon for a classic pecan caramel sauce.
2. What type of bourbon should I use?
A mid-range bourbon with caramel or vanilla notes works best to complement the sauce.
3. Can I use a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work, but the sauce may be thinner. For the creamiest texture, stick with heavy cream.
4. Why did my caramel seize up?
If the caramel becomes lumpy when adding the cream, it’s likely because the cream was too cold. Warm the cream slightly before adding to the sugar.
5. Can I use other nuts?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great substitutes for pecans.
6. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Stir frequently and watch closely as sugar melts; caramel can go from perfect to burned quickly.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger saucepan to prevent bubbling over when adding cream.
8. Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the bourbon used is certified gluten-free.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
10. What’s the best way to serve this sauce?
Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, cheesecake, apple pie, or even stir into hot coffee or hot chocolate.
Conclusion
Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce is a decadent and versatile treat that brings a touch of elegance to any dessert. With its rich caramel base, nutty pecans, and subtle bourbon flavor, this sauce is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, treating yourself, or gifting it to a loved one, this recipe is a must-try. Make a batch today and enjoy the indulgent taste of the South!
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Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This rich and buttery Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce combines the smoky sweetness of bourbon, the crunch of pecans, and the luxurious silkiness of caramel. Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, or even enjoy it by the spoonful—this decadent sauce is a true Southern treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (60 g) pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Toast the pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly.
- Start the caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Add the cream and butter:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up.
- Stir in the butter until fully melted and combined.
- Add bourbon and flavorings:
- Stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Finish with pecans:
- Fold in the toasted pecans. Let the sauce cool slightly to thicken before serving.
- Serve and store:
- Serve warm over desserts, pancakes, or other dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before using.
Notes
- No alcohol version: Omit the bourbon and increase the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon for a non-alcoholic version.
- Thicker sauce: Reduce the amount of cream slightly for a thicker caramel consistency.
- Make it extra nutty: Use a mix of pecans and walnuts for a unique flavor twist.