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Caramel Pecan Syrup

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This Caramel Pecan Syrup is a mouth-watering, rich and flavorful syrup. It is perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, french toast, ice cream, beverages, yogurt, and desserts. 

If you love easy breakfast recipes, then this is the recipe for you. When you top your favorite pancakes with this homemade syrup recipe, you will have a unique flavor that your entire family will rave about for days. 

Caramel Pecan Syrup in a bottle with brown sugar and pecans on the side.
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Caramel Pecan Syrup

I love using pecans because they are filled with nutrients such as manganese, copper, zinc, and vitamin E. Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also cholesterol-free and low in sodium. 

Why I Love This Recipe

The syrup is perfect for any sweet tooth. It can be used as a topping on pancakes, waffles or french toast; it’s even good by itself! 

  • Easy to make
  • Perfect for picky eaters
  • Fills the house with a delicious aroma
  • Just the right amount of sweetness
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Are you looking for a recipe to use this syrup with? Look no further than this Apple Cheesecake Pancakes recipe. 

Caramel Pecan Syrup in a bottle with brown sugar and pecans on the side.

Ingredients

This Caramel Pecan Syrup only requires a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Once you gather all these ingredients you will have a sweet twist on a classic that tastes amazing on pancakes. 

  • Brown Sugar
  • Pecans
  • Water
  • Vanilla Extract
Caramel Pecan Syrup ingredients

Substitutions

Vanilla extract:  You could also use almond extract, maple extract, or even 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.

Pecans: If you don’t have pecans on hand you could use walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds. I would not recommend using anything else because the other nuts do not have the same flavor profile. The buttery pecans really make this syrup. 

Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this simple syrup recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this sweet treat. 

How to Make Caramel Pecan Syrup

This recipe comes together quickly and in just a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below and you will have a sweet syrup to use for pancakes, or drinks in no time at all. 

Step 1: Add brown sugar and pecans to a saucepan 

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine half of the brown sugar and the pecans.

Brown sugar and pecans in a saucepan

Step 2: Brown the pecans

Cook until pecans are slightly fragrant, then add the water and remaining brown sugar. Stir well to dissolve sugar.

Add the water and remaining brown sugar to the pecan mixture in the saucepan.

Step 3: Simmer the syrup 

Allow mixture to come to a boil, then reduce and simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by half.

Step 4: Stir in vanilla 

Remove from heat, and if desired, stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 5: Strain and stir

If desired, strain the pecans out of the mixture before storing them in a sealed container in a cool spot. 

a closeup of Caramel Pecan Syrup in a bottle.

Variations / Options / Add-Ins

If you want to add a little something extra to this recipe, here are some ideas:

Cinnamon: Add a cinnamon stick while the syrup is simmering for a hint of cinnamon flavor.

Bourbon: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon after removing from heat for an adult version.

Pecans: Chop up the pecans and stir them back into the syrup once it has cooled.

Serving Suggestions

Are you looking for ways to use this simple syrup recipe? It is a delicious addition to so many staples. Here is a list of my favorites. 

  • pancakes
  • waffles
  • oatmeal
  • coffee 
  • tea
  • protein shakes
  • smoothies
  • lattes
  • hot cocoas
  • overnight oats
  • craft cocktails
Caramel Pecan Syrup in a bottle with brown sugar and pecans on the side.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help make this syrup recipe turn out perfectly. 

  • To make this recipe even easier, use pre-chopped pecans. You can find these in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
  • If you don’t have a strainer, you can use a coffee filter or even a paper towel to strain the pecans out of the syrup.
  • Do you plan to use this syrup on french toast or waffles? If so, you can leave the pecans in. However, if you are using this syrup for drinks I recommend that you strain it. 
  • Make sure that you keep this very yummy syrup in refrigeration so that it doesn’t go bad. 

FAQs

Do you have questions about this rich-tasting syrup recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe. 

How to store

Store in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You could use white sugar, but the flavor will be different. Brown sugar gives this recipe a rich flavor that you won’t get from white sugar.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! This syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

overhead view of Caramel Pecan Syrup in a bottle with brown sugar and pecans on the side.

More Easy Recipes

If you like breakfast recipes, give these recipes a try:

Caramel Pecan Syrup Recipe

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📋 Recipe

Caramel Pecan Syrup

Corinne Schmitt
This Caramel Pecan Syrup is a mouth-watering, rich and flavorful syrup.
5 from 84 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Sauces and Seasonings
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 253 kcal

Equipment

  • measuring cup and spoon
  • small saucepan
  • storage container
  • Strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Pecans
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine half of the brown sugar and the pecans.
  • Cook until pecans are slightly fragrant, then add the water and remaining brown sugar. Stir well to dissolve sugar.
  • Allow mixture to come to a simmer, then reduce and simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by half.
  • Remove from heat, and if desired, stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • If desired, strain the pecans out of the mixture before storing in a sealed container in a cool spot.

Video

Notes

(The pecans can be left in if using for pancakes or baked goods, but you will want to strain them out if using for drinks.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 1gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!

Caramel Pecan Syrup in a bottle with brown sugar and pecans on the side with title text reading Caramel Pecan Syrup

4 thoughts on “Caramel Pecan Syrup”

    • Unfortunately, not without dramatically changing the recipe (which I haven’t tested and thus can’t vouch for the end result). Sorry! Will add this idea to my list of recipes to work on.

      Reply
  1. 5 stars
    This is soooooo good! I think I cooked mine too long or slow or something because once it cooled it was super thick and gritty like I’d never melted the sugar. It tastes amazing tho I stirred some into hot oatmeal today 😌 definitely will try again

    Reply
    • Assuming you stirred until the sugar was fully dissolved, the next most likely culprit is that it simmered too long or at too high of a temperature. Next time, simmer just BEFORE it’s reduced by half and make sure you’re at medium-low (maybe closer to low than medium, in case your stove runs a little hotter than mine).

      Reply

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