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Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This Caramel Pecan Pie combines buttery caramel candies with crunchy pecans in a rich, flavorful filling nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for the Thanksgiving table or any festive occasion, this classic dessert can be enjoyed warm or cold and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Pie Crust

  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Filling

  • 36 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients needed for the caramel pecan pie. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the filling.
  2. Melt Caramel Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels, unsalted butter, and milk. Stir frequently as the mixture melts and becomes smooth, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Once melted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix Pie Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Gradually pour in the warm caramel mixture while stirring continuously, then fold in the pecan halves to evenly distribute the nuts throughout the filling.
  4. Assemble Pie: Pour the prepared caramel pecan filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
  5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the pastry crust is golden brown and the filling is set. The pie filling should be firm to the touch but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool and set for about 15 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or allow it to cool completely for a firmer texture. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • For best results, use individually wrapped caramels as they melt smoothly to create a rich caramel flavor in the filling.
  • Be sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly on low heat to prevent burning or sticking to the saucepan.
  • Letting the pie cool slightly helps the filling set perfectly for clean slices.
  • This pie is delicious served warm but also tastes great when chilled.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if using a glass or ceramic pie dish as these may conduct heat differently.