These Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pecan Caramels are soft, buttery, and irresistibly chewy, generously loaded with crunchy toasted pecans and creamy white chocolate chips, all infused with that quintessential hint of pumpkin spice. They are, without a doubt, the perfect homemade treat for the autumn season!
Embrace the Flavors of Fall with Homemade Pumpkin Spice Caramels
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable urge to bring the warmth and comfort of autumn into our homes. What better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of homemade candy? Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly encapsulates fall: incredibly soft, buttery, and chewy Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pecan Caramels. These aren’t just any caramels; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures designed to delight your senses and become your new favorite seasonal indulgence.
Life can be wonderfully hectic, especially as we approach the bustling holiday season. Between planning festive meals, working on creative projects, and simply navigating daily life, finding moments of pure joy becomes essential. For me, a little candy always helps boost morale and provides a sweet escape. And with these caramels, you’ll want to eat more than just one, and you won’t feel a speck of guilt. Are you ready to join me in this delightful experience?
Why These Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pecan Caramels Are a Must-Make This Season
Inspired by a traditional chocolate pecan caramel recipe from Taste of Home, I’ve reimagined this classic treat with a distinct autumnal twist, making it even more suitable for the cooler months. The result is a caramel that stands out in its creamy richness and spicy warmth. Here’s why you absolutely need to add this recipe to your fall baking list:
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: We swap out the conventional semi-sweet chocolate for luscious white chocolate. This simple change allows the delicate sweetness of the caramel to shine, while the white chocolate adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality that is simply divine. Paired with the robust warmth of pumpkin pie spice, it’s a match made in heaven that screams autumn.
- Perfect Texture: These caramels boast a wonderfully soft, buttery, and chewy consistency. They yield easily to the bite, yet offer a satisfying chew that lingers, leaving you craving another piece. The addition of toasted pecans introduces a delightful crunch, providing a textural contrast that elevates the entire experience.
- The Power of Toasted Pecans: Do not, under any circumstances, skip toasting the pecans. This crucial step intensifies their natural nutty flavor and gives them an incredible crunch that raw pecans simply can’t offer. Toasting brings out the essential oils in the nuts, transforming them from a mere addition into a key player in the caramel’s overall deliciousness.
- Simplicity with Impressive Results: Despite their gourmet appeal, these caramels are surprisingly straightforward to make. With fewer than ten ingredients and the aid of a candy thermometer, you’ll be guided to the perfect firm-ball stage with ease. The process is rewarding, and the end product is guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them.
- A Versatile Treat: While we highlight the pumpkin spice white chocolate pecan version, the base caramel recipe is incredibly versatile. I’ve made them with semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted pecans for a more classic flavor, and even plain, without any chips or nuts, and they are addictive every single way. You can easily adapt them to suit your preferences.
Mastering Homemade Caramels: Tips for Success
Making homemade caramels might seem daunting, but with a few key tips, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. These caramels were even a contest winner at Taste of Home, and it’s easy to see why they garnered such acclaim.
Essential Tools and Techniques:
- The Candy Thermometer is Your Best Friend: This is a non-negotiable tool for caramel making. Achieving the “firm-ball stage” (248°F / 120°C) is critical for the caramel’s texture. Too low, and your caramels will be too soft and sticky; too high, and they’ll be brittle and hard. Invest in a reliable candy thermometer and ensure it’s properly calibrated.
- Constant Stirring is Key: Caramel is notoriously prone to burning, especially on the bottom of the pan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will also help distribute heat more evenly.
- Preparation is Crucial: Before you even start cooking, make sure your baking pan is lined with foil and generously sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle in your toasted pecans and white chocolate chips ahead of time. Once the caramel reaches its target temperature, you’ll need to work quickly, so having your pan ready is essential.
Achieving the Perfect Set and Cut:
- Patience During Cooling: This is perhaps the hardest part! You absolutely must cool the caramels completely before attempting to cut them. Rushing this step will result in a sticky, messy ordeal. I recommend letting them set overnight at room temperature for the best results. The longer they cool, the cleaner your cuts will be.
- Cutting Techniques: Once fully cooled, lift the entire slab of caramel out of the pan using the foil. Peel back the foil and place the caramel onto a cutting board. A sharp, ungreased knife works best. I prefer to cut my caramels into roughly one-inch squares, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. For easier cutting, you can lightly grease your knife with a neutral oil or non-stick spray, wiping it clean between cuts.
- Storing Your Caramels: Store your finished caramels in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, you can wrap individual caramels in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags.
Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pecan Caramels
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Yields: 78 pieces
These Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pecan Caramels are soft, buttery, and chewy, loaded with toasted pecans and white chocolate chips with a hint of pumpkin spice that makes them perfect for fall!
- Prep Time:
- 20 mins
- Cook Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 35 mins
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Line a 13×9 baking pan with tinfoil. Spray foil generously with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle in the chopped, toasted pecans and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly. Set aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
- Once boiling, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring the tip is submerged in the mixture but not touching the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the thermometer reads 248°F (120°C). This is the “firm-ball stage.”
- Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice until fully incorporated.
- Promptly pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan over the pecans and white chocolate chips. Avoid scraping the saucepan, as this can introduce crystallized sugar into your smooth caramel.
- Allow the caramels to cool completely and set at room temperature. For best results and clean cuts, let them set overnight.
- Once fully cooled and firm, use the foil to lift the caramel slab out of the pan. Peel off the foil and place the caramel on a clean cutting board. Cut the caramels into desired sizes, typically one-inch squares. Wrap individually in wax paper or parchment paper for storage or gifting.
Nutrition
- Calories:
- 77 kcal
- Carbohydrates:
- 11 g
- Protein:
- 1 g
- Fat:
- 4 g
- Saturated Fat:
- 2 g
- Cholesterol:
- 7 mg
- Sodium:
- 7 mg
- Potassium:
- 21 mg
- Fiber:
- 1 g
- Sugar:
- 10 g
- Vitamin A:
- 74 IU
- Vitamin C:
- 1 mg
- Calcium:
- 13 mg
- Iron:
- 1 mg
Keywords: candy, caramels, pumpkin spice, white chocolate, pecans, fall, homemade, easy caramel recipe
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Snack, Gift
Beyond Caramels: Explore More Fall Delights
If you’ve fallen in love with the combination of pumpkin spice and pecans, you absolutely must try another favorite fall candy here at our kitchen: our Pumpkin Spice Pecan Brittle! It offers a different texture but the same comforting flavors that make autumn so special. It’s wonderfully crunchy and addictive, making it another perfect candidate for gifting or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea on a cool day.
There’s something truly magical about homemade treats during the fall. The aroma of spices filling your kitchen, the simple joy of creating something delicious from scratch, and the warmth it brings to those you share it with. These caramels are not just a recipe; they’re an experience, a little piece of autumn happiness you can hold in your hand.
Share Your Sweet Creations!
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these glorious Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pecan Caramels, don’t keep them to yourself! We’d love to see your beautiful creations. Before your first bite, snap a photo and share it with us!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen. Your photos inspire us and other home bakers to create and share the joy of homemade treats!
Enjoy every soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced bite!
Recipe adapted from Taste at Home.