Every once in a while, I come across a dessert so simple yet so indulgent that I find myself making it again and again. That’s exactly the case with this caramel pecan delight pie. It’s everything I love in a dessert — rich caramel, crunchy toasted pecans, a buttery crust, and just the right touch of salt to balance the sweetness. The first time I made this pie was for a family gathering, and not a single crumb was left on the plate. Now it’s one of my favorite go-to desserts whenever I want to wow a crowd with minimal effort.
Let me show you why this pie works and how incredibly easy it is to make.
Why This Recipe Works
This caramel pecan delight pie is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:
- Sweet and salty combination: The caramel and pecans are sweet and buttery, with just enough salt to keep each bite balanced.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Simple pantry staples come together for a show-stopping dessert.
- Crunchy and creamy textures: The crunchy pecans and gooey caramel make every bite irresistible.
- No complicated steps: Just melt, pour, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for holidays or weeknight treats: It’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough to make anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes)
- 1 pre-made graham cracker or shortbread pie crust
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for topping if desired)
How I Make Caramel Pecan Delight Pie (Step-by-Step)
1. Toast the Pecans
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and spreading the chopped pecans on a baking sheet. I toast them for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool. Toasting really brings out their rich, nutty flavor.
2. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, I mix together the caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and combined. The mixture is thick and luscious — I could honestly eat it with a spoon.
3. Add the Pecans
I fold the toasted pecans into the caramel mixture, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Fill and Bake
I pour the filling into the pre-made crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Then I bake the pie at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes until the filling is bubbling and golden around the edges.
5. Cool and Garnish
I let the pie cool completely so the caramel sets up. Right before serving, I sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty finish.
6. Slice and Serve
I slice the pie and serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The texture is gooey, nutty, and absolutely heavenly.
My Favorite Tips for the Perfect Caramel Pecan Delight Pie
- Toast the pecans: Don’t skip this step — it adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Use good-quality caramel sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works fine if you choose a rich, buttery version.
- Let it cool completely before slicing: This helps the pie set and makes clean slices easier.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky salt on top: It enhances both the sweetness and nuttiness of the pie.
- Serve warm or chilled: Warm for gooey decadence, chilled for a firmer texture.
What I Serve with Caramel Pecan Delight Pie
This pie stands beautifully on its own, but here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- A scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream for lightness
- Strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
- A drizzle of extra caramel for those who can’t get enough
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover it tightly.
Q: Can I use a homemade crust?
A: Absolutely. A buttery shortbread crust works wonderfully.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s delicious chilled or gently warmed.
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes, though I prefer it fresh. If freezing, wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Why This Caramel Pecan Delight Pie Belongs in Your Recipe Box
This pie is everything I love about dessert: it’s indulgent, comforting, and just the right balance of sweet and salty. It’s simple enough to make on a whim but special enough to bring to any gathering. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite.
Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite no-fuss, crowd-pleasing desserts too.
The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Dessert: Caramel Pecan Delight Pie You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons flaky sea salt (plus more for topping if desired)
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, caramel sauce, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until well combined.
- Add the toasted pecans and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top of the pie mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with extra sea salt.
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