Pin It Chewy, nutty bites featuring a hint of root beer, gooey caramel, and toasted pecans—perfect for parties or gifting.
The first time I made these Root Beer Caramel Pecan Bites, my friends kept asking for the recipe all night long. The chewy texture and nostalgic root beer flavor make them a hit at every gathering.
Ingredients
- Base: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp salt
- Caramel Layer: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp root beer extract
- Topping: 3/4 cup pecan halves (toasted and roughly chopped), 1/4 cup caramel candies (melted, optional drizzle), Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the base:
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Bake base:
- Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare caramel layer:
- Combine brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Finish caramel:
- Add heavy cream and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in root beer extract.
- Assemble layers:
- Pour caramel evenly over the cooled base. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, gently pressing them into the caramel.
- Optional drizzle:
- Drizzle melted caramel candies over the pecans for extra sweetness.
- Finish and chill:
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier slicing.
- Slice and serve:
- Lift from pan and cut into 24 bite-sized squares.
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My kids love helping sprinkle pecans and drizzle caramel before slicing these into perfect squares for sharing at school parties.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, saucepan, electric mixer or whisk, parchment paper, sharp knife.
Allergen Information
Recipe contains dairy, gluten, and tree nuts. Always verify caramel candies and root beer extract for unexpected allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 120 calories, 8 g total fat, 12 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein.
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Wrap these bites individually for quick gifts, or serve on a platter for instant smiles at dessert time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I enhance the root beer flavor?
Increase root beer extract in the caramel layer by an extra 1/2 teaspoon for bolder soda notes.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Walnuts or other toasted nuts work well as a substitute for pecans in the topping.
- → Is chilling necessary before slicing?
Refrigerating for 30 minutes helps firm the layers, making it easier to cut neat squares.
- → How should I store the bites?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any key allergens to consider?
Contains dairy, wheat, and tree nuts. Always verify labels on caramel candies and extracts for allergies.
- → Can I make this without caramel drizzle?
Yes, the drizzle is optional. The bites are flavorful even without extra caramel on top.