If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting warmth of freshly baked goodies, the Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert. This luscious treat combines rich, buttery caramel with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in soft, tender rolls that just melt in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy afternoon, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a decadent, homemade delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe plays a crucial role, from the buttery base that ensures softness to the rich caramel and crunchy pecans that provide texture and flavor complexity. These essentials are straightforward but come together beautifully to elevate this dish.
- 1/2 cup butter (for greasing): Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle buttery taste right from the start.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Brings richness and creaminess to the caramel sauce.
- 3 cups sugar: The sweet backbone of the caramel, balancing butter and cream perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup: Helps keep the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization for that perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter (from the stick you used to rub the pans): Adds an extra layer of buttery goodness to the caramel.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma into the caramel sauce.
- 1/2 cup butter (additional): Incorporated again for that irresistibly soft, buttery roll experience.
- 1 cup dark corn syrup: Intensifies the caramel flavor with its rich, molasses-like notes.
- 7-10 cups pecans (toasted if you like): Provides the signature nutty crunch and adds a toasty aroma that complements the caramel beautifully.
How to Make Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans
Start by rubbing your baking pans thoroughly with butter to ensure the rolls won’t stick. This also helps create a delicious caramelized crust on the bottoms of the rolls, which is one of the best parts of the recipe.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the mixture thickens into a smooth, golden caramel. Add butter and vanilla, stirring until everything is melted and combined. The scent of this cooking caramel will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Step 3: Toast the Pecans
While the caramel cools slightly, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Toasted pecans add a deeper flavor and extra crunch, elevating the texture of the rolls wonderfully.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Pour a generous amount of caramel sauce into the bottom of each buttered pan. Then sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the caramel. Next, arrange your rolled dough balls carefully on top, so each roll gets a perfect layer of caramel and nuts beneath.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. The caramel will bubble up around the pecans and soak into the rolls, creating a magical treat that’s tender, gooey, and crunchy all at once.
How to Serve Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can make these rolls look irresistible. You can also add a touch of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness with a hint of savory complexity.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls fresh and warm alongside a cup of rich coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that’s perfect any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual rolls in small ramekins or on pretty dessert plates with a few extra toasted pecans on the side. For a holiday or special occasion, sprinkle edible gold dust over the top for a festive sparkle that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is best, although the rolls may firm up slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these pecan caramel rolls either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully when brought back to room temperature.
Reheating
Warm rolls gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help revive their fresh-baked softness while also reactivating that wonderful caramel gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can work well. Just toast them lightly beforehand to bring out their flavor, and enjoy your own twist on the Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! Despite sounding fancy, this recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Just keep an eye on the caramel to avoid burning, and you’ll have bakery-quality rolls at home.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the caramel sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before using to restore its pourable consistency.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
If you don’t have corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup as an alternative. The flavor will be a bit different, but it still yields a delicious caramel sauce.
How do I store leftover rolls without them getting soggy?
Keep the rolls in a breathable container to avoid condensation, and reheat them just before serving to restore the perfect texture without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe is a heartfelt homemade treasure that combines the best of sticky caramel, crunchy nuts, and tender rolls for a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you bake it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and bring smiles. Give it a try—you deserve a little sweetness today.
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Caramel Candy Pecan Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 7 to 7.7 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of homemade Caramel Candy Pecan Rolls. These soft, buttery rolls are generously topped with a luscious caramel sauce loaded with toasted pecans, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, this recipe combines classic baking with a gooey caramel pecan topping that will delight any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dough and Greasing
- 1/2 cup butter (for greasing, plus more if necessary)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter (from the stick used to rub the pans)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Caramel Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Toppings
- 7–10 cups pecans (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pans and Butter: Begin by rubbing the baking pans thoroughly with 1/2 cup of butter to prevent sticking. Apply extra butter as needed to ensure the rolls won’t stick during baking.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a heavy saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 3 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Prepare Additional Caramel Mixture: In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup dark corn syrup, and 2 cups sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Toast the Pecans: If preferred, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. This enhances their flavor and adds crunch to the rolls.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a generous amount of the caramel sauce over the bottom of the greased baking pans. Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the caramel layer. Arrange the prepared rolls on top of the pecans and caramel.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pans with the rolls in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finishing Touches: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes. Carefully invert the pans onto a serving platter so the caramel and pecan layer is on top, creating a sticky, glossy topping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Caramel Candy Pecan Rolls warm for the best gooey texture and flavor experience. These rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends at any occasion.
Notes
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark corn syrup in the caramel sauce mixture.
- Be careful when handling hot caramel to avoid burns.
- To toast pecans, watch closely as nuts can burn quickly.
- If you prefer softer pecans, skip toasting them before assembling.
- Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in the caramel.
