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Grandma’s Caramel Pecan Logs Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 40 reviews

Grandma’s Caramel Pecan Logs are a delightful no-bake treat featuring a rich buttery filling coated in gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfect for a nostalgic snack or dessert, these logs combine creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors with a satisfying texture, made easy with no oven required.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup powdered milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Coating & Topping

  • 16 ounces caramels (1 & ½ bags)
  • 4 & ½ tablespoons milk
  • 4 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to prepare for the filling.
  2. Make the base mixture: In a medium pot or dutch oven set over medium heat, combine ½ cup salted butter, ½ cup light corn syrup, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Simmer the mixture: Continue stirring the mixture on medium heat until it reaches a simmer, ensuring all sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Add dry ingredients and vanilla: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in 4 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup powdered milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The mixture will thicken into a paste.
  5. Press and cool the filling: Press this thickened mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Allow it to cool to the touch at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  6. Cut and roll the logs: Cut the filling into 4 even strips, then slice each strip down the center to make 8 pieces in total. Take one piece at a time, place it on parchment paper, and roll it up into a log shape. Place each log seam side down on a sheet tray.
  7. Freeze the logs: Freeze the rolled logs for 1-2 hours until they are frozen solid to ensure they hold shape during coating.
  8. Prepare caramel coating: Using a double boiler over medium heat, melt 16 ounces of caramels with 4 & ½ tablespoons milk, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted.
  9. Coat the logs: Dip each frozen log carefully into the melted caramel, coating thoroughly and allowing excess caramel to drip off.
  10. Add pecans: Immediately roll or press the caramel-coated logs into 4 cups of chopped pecans so they are evenly covered.
  11. Set and slice: Place the coated logs on a parchment-lined sheet tray. Once all logs are coated, slice them into ½-inch pieces and serve immediately or store for later.

Notes

  • If you don’t have powdered milk, you can substitute with an equal amount of dry milk powder or a milk substitute powder but it may affect texture slightly.
  • Use parchment paper during rolling to avoid sticking and make shaping easier.
  • Be gentle when dipping the logs into caramel as they are fragile; freezing solid helps keep them intact.
  • The logs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • For a sweeter variation, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt over the pecans before caramel sets.

Keywords: caramel pecan logs, no-bake dessert, caramel candy, pecan candy, homemade caramels, holiday treats, nostalgic sweets

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/grandmas-caramel-pecan-logs-recipe/