Buttery, Caramel-Crunchy No-Bake Southern Treats
Description
Pecan Dandy Do’s are rich, buttery caramel pecan clusters spooned over Ritz crackers. They’re sweet, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth treats you can make without baking. The flavors blend warm spices, toasted pecans, and creamy caramel for an irresistible Southern-style candy.
Introduction
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves pralines, caramel, or buttery sweet snacks. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can make a large batch in under an hour. These treats are ideal for holidays, gatherings, and gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No baking required
Ready in under 20 minutes cooking
Simple ingredients
Great for gifting or parties
Tastes like a praline on a cracker
Stays fresh for days
Ingredients
2–3 sleeves Ritz crackers (around 40 crackers)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
⅓ cup (5 tbsp / 76 g) unsalted butter
⅓ cup (67 g) packed brown sugar
2 tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 cups (200 g) pecans, roughly chopped
Optional: flaky sea salt
Instructions
Arrange Ritz crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Toast pecans at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes if you want deeper flavor.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Stir until melted and gently simmering.
Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden and thick.
Lower heat and add milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
Stir in chopped pecans and cook 2 minutes until glossy and thick.
Remove from heat. Spoon or scoop small mounds of the mixture onto each cracker.
Let cool 30 minutes at room temperature (or chill 15 minutes).
Store airtight for up to 1 week.
Variations
Use walnuts or almonds
Add a pinch of cayenne
Add espresso powder
Sprinkle sea salt before cooling
Tips for Best Results
Grease your spoon before scooping
Stir constantly to avoid burning
Toast nuts for more flavor
Let fully cool before storing
Storage Tips
Room temperature for 7 days
Do not freeze — texture changes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tea or coffee
Add to dessert trays
Package for gifting
FAQs
Can I use salted butter? Yes.
Why did the caramel burn? Heat was too high or not stirred enough.
Can I skip the crackers? Yes, make them like pralines.
Conclusion
Pecan Dandy Do’s are easy, delicious Southern-style treats that combine creamy caramel with crunchy pecans and buttery crackers. They’re simple, quick, and perfect for sharing or gifting.