Dark Caramel Pecan Rum Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, decadent sauce combining dark caramel, toasted pecans, and rum, perfect for drizzling over desserts or ice cream, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, nutty flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp. dark rum
  • 1 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Place the cream cheese and heavy cream in a mixing bowl and beat with a whisk until smooth.
  2. Set aside.
  3. Place the sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Stir just to dissolve the sugar, then let the mixture cook without stirring until it caramelizes (300° on a candy thermometer), 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the cream mixture; it will sputter.
  6. Over low heat, whisk the mixture just until smooth.
  7. Stir in the rum and toasted, coarsely chopped pecans.
  8. Reheat over very low heat, stirring often.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect caramel, avoid stirring after dissolving the sugar; this prevents crystallization. If you don't have dark rum, a light rum can be used as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Ensure your pecans are toasted for the best flavor. For a thicker sauce, cook it a little longer or reduce the cream slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This Dark Caramel Pecan Rum Sauce pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or drizzled over pancakes. It also makes an excellent topping for desserts like brownies or cheesecake. Consider serving it alongside Judy'S Corn Casserole for a delightful contrast in flavors at your next gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream or water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dark Caramel Pecan Rum Sauce contains roughly 254 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

254 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 22.7g 29% DV
Carbs 13.5g 5% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 19.3mg 1% DV
Potassium 177.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 3.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 4.5mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 28.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a bit of cream if it has thickened too much.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this sauce?

Absolutely! You can replace the dark rum with a splash of vanilla extract or additional cream for flavor without the alcohol. The sauce will still be delicious and suitable for all ages.

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans. However, keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor profile of the sauce. Toasting the nuts will enhance their natural flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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