Pecan Caramel Bites

Crunchy Pecan Caramel Squares combine the mouthwatering mix of toasty pecans, gooey caramel, and a crumbly butter cookie or graham base. These tasty bites don't take much effort to whip up and work great for parties, festive gatherings, or just treating yourself. Finish them with a generous caramel drizzle and some lightly toasted pecans on top for a simple yet totally addictive snack. They taste amazing whether you keep them cool or let them warm up for softer caramel.

INGREDIENTS

• Shortbread crumbs or graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups, for bottom layer
• Melted unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, for bottom mixture
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, for crust mixture
• Caramel bits or caramel candies: 1 cup, for middle layer
• Heavy cream: 3 tbsp, to thin out caramel
• Lightly toasted pecan halves: 1 cup, for garnish
• Additional caramel sauce: optional, for final touch

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C) and put paper liners in your mini cupcake pan or muffin tin.

Step 2:

Stir together your graham crumbs, butter, and brown sugar till everything looks mixed up good.

Step 3:

Push down a bit of this mix into each paper liner to make a solid bottom.

Step 4:

Put the trays in the oven for 8-10 minutes till they look slightly golden, then pull them out to cool down.

Step 5:

Throw your caramel bits and cream into a bowl that won't melt in the microwave.

Step 6:

Heat it up in short 20-second bursts, giving it a stir each time, till you've got smooth melted caramel.

Step 7:

Pour some caramel over each little crust, letting it run a bit over the sides so it looks extra yummy.

Step 8:

Add your toasted pecans on top of each gooey caramel puddle.

Step 9:

If you want even more sweetness, add another caramel drizzle across the pecans.

Step 10:

Stick them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes so the caramel firms up a bit before you dig in.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Eat them cold if you want firmer caramel, or let them warm up if you prefer it softer.
• Keep them in a sealed container in your fridge and they'll stay good for 3 days.

Helpful Notes

• Try using dark brown sugar in your base for richer flavor.
• Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt onto the caramel layer to make salted caramel treats.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Tip: Don't skimp on the caramel quality - better candies make tastier treats.
• Chef Tip: Giving your pecans a quick toast in the oven brings out more nutty goodness.

The Magic of Pecan Caramel Squares

These little caramel pecan gems give you the perfect combo of buttery, crunchy, and sticky in every bite. They're super easy to make and everybody loves them - perfect for parties, holiday tables, or when you just need something sweet and fancy.

FAQs

Can I swap in shortbread instead of graham crackers?

Absolutely! Shortbread makes a super buttery and rich base that works great.

What if my caramel's too thick?

Just add a splash more cream and stir until you get the runny texture you want.

Will other nuts work too?

You bet - try some walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a totally different taste.

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Conclusion

Pecan Caramel Bites are a delightful mix of textures from crunchy nuts, smooth caramel, and a buttery base. They're easy to make and work well for parties, dinners, or quiet evenings when you need a quick dessert. Every bite is full of flavor and impossible to resist.