If you’re in the mood for a unique combination of sweet, salty, and spicy, this Spicy Pecan Praline Caramel is sure to become a favorite. Inspired by Cajun flavors, this caramel is smooth and chewy with crunchy pecans and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. Drizzled with rich semi-sweet chocolate, it’s a decadent treat that combines heat and sweetness in every bite. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Spicy Pecan Praline Caramel
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (5 ml) coarse sea salt
- 2 sticks (2 x 10 g) cinnamon
- 1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
- 1 stick (115 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (115 g) pecans, halved
- 1 sleeve (about 200 g) Ritz crackers, coarsely crumbled
- 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
prep time 5 Min
cook time 4 Hr 30 Min
How to Make Spicy Pecan Praline Caramel
- Prepare an 8.5×8.5-inch (22 cm x 22 cm) glass baking dish by lining it with foil and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Crumble a sleeve of Ritz Hint of Salt crackers and spread them evenly at the bottom of the foil-lined dish. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, 4 tbsp (60 g) butter, sea salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, remove from heat, cover, and set aside.
- In another medium saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Stir to mix, and cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the mixture melts and becomes a golden syrup.
- Once the sugar has melted, insert a candy thermometer into the mixture. Stir occasionally, and cook until the temperature reaches 330°F (165°C). Remove from heat, uncover the cream mixture, and discard the cinnamon sticks.
- Gradually add the cream mixture to the sugar mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Return the combined mixture to medium-high heat and continue to cook until it reaches 250°F (121°C). Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 4 tbsp (60 g) of butter and halved pecans. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it set for 3-4 hours.
- Once the caramel has completely set, carefully remove it from the pan and invert it to remove the foil.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel and let it set.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, cut the caramel into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
This Spicy Pecan Praline Caramel combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch in every bite. The buttery, creamy caramel with its spicy kick from cayenne, paired with the rich chocolate drizzle, creates an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this caramel is sure to impress. With its rich flavor profile and satisfying texture, it’s a treat you’ll want to make over and over again.
