Pecan Caramel Triangles

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sweet pecan caramel triangles feature a buttery crust topped with rich caramel and chopped pecans, perfect for decadent gatherings or satisfying dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsifted flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cold butter
  • 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.
  3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
  4. Press firmly into the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking pan.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.
  6. Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream, and vanilla.
  7. Over medium-high heat, cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
  8. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  9. Stir in chopped pecans.
  10. Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
  11. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Allow to cool completely.
  13. Garnish with chocolate drizzle if desired.
  14. Chill the dessert.
  15. Cut into triangles and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of powdered sugar in the crust. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for a different nutty flavor. To make cutting easier, chill the dessert in the refrigerator before slicing into triangles. Ensure the butter is cold to achieve a crumbly texture in the crust.

Serving Suggestions

These Pecan Caramel Triangles are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an elegant touch. They make a perfect dessert for gatherings, pairing well with coffee or tea. For more delicious desserts, browse American recipes for delightful inspirations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Pecan Caramel Triangles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer to serve them warm, briefly reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the texture of the caramel.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pecan Caramel Triangles contains roughly 322 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value).

322 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 24.2g 31% DV
Carbs 22.8g 8% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 21.9g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 31.9mg 1% DV
Potassium 120.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 59.3mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 189.7mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 74.9mg 6% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten 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 use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Each nut will provide a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.

How do I know when the caramel is thick enough?

The caramel should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when you run your finger through it. It typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes of cooking after it reaches a boil to achieve this consistency.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! Pecan Caramel Triangles can be made a day ahead. Just allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Chilling them overnight enhances their flavor and makes slicing easier.

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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