Dreamy Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce Recipe for Sweets

Drizzling warm southern bourbon pecan caramel sauce over desserts creates an instant moment of pure decadence.

Sweet southern hospitality shines through this rich, golden elixir that captures classic comfort flavors.

Deep amber notes of caramel blend seamlessly with toasted pecans and smooth bourbon whiskey.

Complex layers of sweetness and warmth dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this sauce transforms ordinary treats into extraordinary experiences.

The recipe promises to elevate any dessert from good to unforgettable.

You’ll savor every luxurious drop of this irresistible southern classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 178 kcal

Servings: 8

Bourbon Caramel Sauce Ingredient List

• Granulated Sugar: Pure sweetness that transforms into golden caramel with deep, complex flavor notes.
• Water: Essential catalyst for creating smooth, controlled caramelization process without crystallization.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy component that adds richness and silky texture to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy smoothness and enhances overall depth of flavor with its subtle richness.

• Bourbon: Distinctive spirit that introduces warm, woody undertones and sophisticated Southern charm.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic complement that softens bourbon's intensity and adds gentle sweetness.
• Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and intensifies caramel's natural sweetness with subtle savory depth.

• Pecans: Crunchy, toasted nuts that provide nutty complexity and authentic Southern character to the sauce, best selected fresh and whole for maximum flavor.

Gear You’ll Want for Perfect Pecan Sauce

• Baking Sheet: Perfect for toasting pecans evenly and safely.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, rich caramel sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending cream, butter, and preventing lumps.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sugar and folding in pecans.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to roughly chop toasted pecans.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Airtight Jar: Ideal for storing leftover sauce in the refrigerator.

How to Simmer a Smooth Bourbon Caramel Blend

• Roast the Nutty Treasure

Crank up the oven to 350F. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and let them toast until they release a mouth-watering aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooled, give them a quick rough chop.

• Create Caramel

Mix sugar and water in a medium pan over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Let the mixture bubble and transform into a gorgeous amber color, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Introduce Creamy Richness

Pull the pan off the heat and whisk in warm cream carefully – expect some exciting bubbling! Stir in butter until it melts completely and blends smoothly.

• Splash in Bourbon Passion

Add bourbon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything combines into a silky, seductive sauce.

• Finish with Crunchy Delight

Fold in the toasted pecans, letting them dance through the caramel. Allow the sauce to cool slightly and thicken.

• Enjoy and Preserve

Drizzle generously over desserts or breakfast treats. Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Gently warm before serving for maximum deliciousness.

Tips That Add Boldness Without Overpowering

• Spread pecans evenly on the baking sheet to ensure uniform toasting, preventing any burnt spots and maximizing that rich, nutty flavor.
• Prepare the caramel sauce up to a week in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based butter for a delicious vegan version that maintains the sauce's luxurious texture.
• Experiment with different bourbon varieties or substitute with rum for unique taste profiles that complement various desserts and baked goods.
• This sauce is naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile topping for those with dietary restrictions while still delivering incredible richness and depth.

Serve Warm Over Cake or Ice Cream

• Sundae Sensation: Drizzle the warm bourbon pecan caramel sauce generously over vanilla ice cream, creating a luxurious dessert that blends creamy coolness with rich, nutty warmth.
• Breakfast Bliss: Transform ordinary pancakes or waffles into a gourmet morning treat by pouring this decadent sauce over the top, adding a sophisticated southern twist to your breakfast.
• Cheese Plate Elevation: Serve alongside a selection of aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or gouda, allowing the caramel's bourbon complexity to complement the cheese's tangy profile for an elegant appetizer or dessert course.
• Baking Boost: Use as a topping for homemade apple pie, bread pudding, or brownies, instantly upgrading classic desserts with its deep, complex flavor and crunchy pecan texture.

Store Sauce Without It Getting Grainy

• Transfer the cooled sauce into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid, ensuring no moisture enters. Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator for maximum freshness, typically lasting 10-14 days.
• Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before gently rewarming.
• Warm the sauce using a microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Alternatively, use a double boiler method for slower, more controlled heating to maintain smooth consistency.
• Before serving refrigerated sauce, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Stir gently to restore original texture and restore the rich bourbon-pecan aroma.

FAQs

• Why toast the pecans first?

Toasting brings out the pecans’ rich, nutty flavor and adds a deeper, more complex taste to the caramel sauce. It also creates a wonderful aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Can I substitute the bourbon?

You can use rum, brandy, or skip the alcohol entirely. If omitting, replace with an equal amount of water or additional vanilla extract to maintain the liquid balance in the recipe.

• What if my caramel starts to burn?

Remove the pan immediately from heat if you see dark brown or black spots. Start over, as burnt caramel will taste bitter and acrid. Watch the color carefully and remove from heat when it reaches a deep amber shade.

• How do I prevent sugar crystallization when making caramel?

Avoid stirring once the sugar begins to boil. Use a clean pastry brush dipped in water to wash down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan. This helps ensure a smooth, silky caramel sauce.

Velvety Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky Southern Bourbon Pecan Caramel Sauce blends rich Kentucky whiskey with toasted pecans in a luscious dessert companion. Drizzled over ice cream or baked goods, this sauce brings Southern comfort and spirited elegance to sweet endings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) water
• 2 tbsps bourbon
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (60 g / 2 oz) pecans, toasted and chopped

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Instructions

1. Roasting Pecans: Toast pecans in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely, then coarsely chop.
2. Caramel Base: Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow mixture to boil undisturbed.
3. Caramelization: Monitor the sugar syrup closely, watching for a deep amber transformation without stirring. This process takes approximately 8-10 minutes, requiring careful attention to prevent burning.
4. Cream Incorporation: Remove pan from heat and slowly whisk in warmed heavy cream, anticipating intense bubbling during integration.
5. Flavor Development: Blend in butter until fully melted, then add bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until achieving a smooth, harmonious mixture.
6. Pecan Infusion: Fold roasted, chopped pecans throughout the caramel sauce, ensuring even distribution of nutty goodness.
7. Serving and Storage: Allow sauce to rest and thicken briefly. Drizzle warm over desired desserts or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Gently reheat before serving.

Notes

Roast Pecans Carefully: Watch closely during roasting to prevent burning, ensuring they release maximum nutty aroma without turning bitter.

Control Caramel Coloration: Monitor sugar transformation vigilantly; even 30 seconds can shift sauce from perfect amber to burnt, ruining entire batch.

Warm Cream Safety: Always heat cream beforehand to prevent aggressive splattering when adding to hot caramel, reducing risk of potential burns.

Store Strategically: Refrigerate sauce in airtight glass container, gently warming with low heat or double boiler method when reusing to maintain smooth, silky texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg