Sweet Georgia Browns

Pecans, homemade caramel, rich chocolate—this Sweet Georgia Browns recipe is the irresistible candy you didn’t know you needed.

this Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried Sweet Georgia Browns. I was maybe 12, sitting on my grandma’s cracked vinyl kitchen stool, watching her swirl caramel like it was a sacred art form. She didn’t measure a thing. Just tossed in a little of this, a whisper of that, and the next thing you knew, there were golden clusters of pecans and caramel cooling on wax paper like little nuggets of joy.

They weren’t for any big occasion—just a Tuesday. She called them “something sweet to carry us through.” I’ve been carrying that memory ever since. And now? I make them for just about everything—holidays, bake sales, comfort days, or let’s-be-real, random Tuesday afternoons when life feels like too much and a soft bite of caramel could actually fix it.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Georgia Browns Recipe?

Let’s talk about the flavor train here. We start with roasted pecans—the kind of crunch you don’t get from a bag. Then you’ve got that chewy, buttery caramel that somehow tastes like it’s been passed down for generations (because maybe it has?). And on top of all that? Melted chocolate. Not the candy bar kind. The rich, slow-melting, close-your-eyes-while-you-bite kind.

They’re rustic, yes. But there’s elegance in that homemade imperfection. Each one looks slightly different, and that’s part of the charm. Some will have more chocolate, some more pecan. But every bite? Magic.

Ingredient Notes:

You don’t need a candy thermometer and a prayer. Just a few quality ingredients and a little patience. Here’s what we’re using and why it matters:

• Pecans: Roasted at home. Please, don’t skip this part. It’s where the flavor wakes up. I’ve tried it with walnuts—still good, but pecans are where it’s at.

• Butter: Melted into both the nuts and the caramel. It’s the foundation of that dreamy richness.

• Sea Salt: Just a pinch. Trust me, it turns the sweetness from “yum” to “holy heck, what is this?”

• Heavy Cream: The soul of the caramel. Makes it silky, not sticky.

• Corn Syrup: Yes, I know it gets a bad rap, but here? It’s what keeps the caramel from crystallizing and ruining your day.

• Chocolate: Milk or dark. Pick your fighter. I personally go with dark because the contrast with the caramel hits so right.

How To Make Sweet Georgia Browns?

Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat that oven to 325ºF. Toss your pecans with melted butter and sea salt, then roast for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your whole kitchen smells like you accidentally baked a holiday memory.

Step 2: Make That Caramel
In a small saucepan, warm up the cream and butter. In a separate pot (I know—ugh, dishes), combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring it to a boil and let it climb to 250–275°F. Yes, you’ll need to watch it. No, it’s not that scary. Stir in the warm cream mixture, vanilla, and a little more salt. You’re done when it’s golden, glossy, and smells like something you’d bottle and wear as perfume.

Step 3: Assemble
Line a baking sheet or muffin tin. Drop piles of roasted pecans in cozy clusters. Spoon that gorgeous caramel over each one—don’t skimp. Let them cool until they hold their shape.

Step 4: Chocolate Love
Melt your chocolate and spoon (or drizzle or dunk) it over each caramel-pecan mound. This part? Honestly therapeutic. Let them set. Try not to eat five while “taste-testing.”

Storage Options:

Store in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper. Room temp for a few days is fine, or pop them in the fridge if your house is warm or your self-control isn’t.

Pro tip: They taste even better the next day. It’s like the flavors have a little overnight meeting and agree to become best friends.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Nuts: Cashews, almonds, even macadamias work in a pinch. But pecans? Always win the gold.

• Caramel: Want to cheat? Store-bought caramel will technically work. But please try homemade once—you’ll never look back.

• Chocolate: Go wild with white chocolate or swirl in peanut butter chips if you’re feeling fancy.

What to Serve with Sweet Georgia Browns?

• A mug of coffee with too much cream.

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. (I mean, come on.)

• A cozy blanket and a rom-com. Highly underrated pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely. They’re actually better after sitting overnight. Just store them properly and you’re golden.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
No stress. Just watch for that golden color and soft-ball stage (drop a bit in cold water—it should form a soft blob). Rustic is the vibe here.

Can I freeze them?
Yep! Just layer them in a container with parchment and they’ll freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temp before serving.

Sweet Georgia Browns are more than just a treat—they’re a little piece of memory-making magic. Make them for your family, your friends, your neighbors… or just for yourself, because hey, you deserve something sweet.

Let me know if you’re Team Milk Chocolate or Team Dark. And if you come up with your own twist on them? Please share—I live for kitchen creativity.

Ready to bake? I’m cheering you on from here.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Alabama Fire Crackers

Sweet Georgia Browns

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Immerse yourself in the medley of flavors that Sweet Georgia Browns offers, a masterpiece, in the world of confectionery where rustic charm meets refined elegance. Picture the notes of freshly roasted pecans creating a satisfying crunch as they blend harmoniously with a homemade caramel layer that strikes the perfect balance between buttery sweetness and just a touch of sea salt. This chewy delight is then adorned with a velvety chocolate that gracefully melts in your mouth leaving behind a taste. Every bite of these treats not only pleases your taste buds but also provides a momentary escape into pure bliss. Whether it's for an occasion or to satisfy your sweet tooth these Sweet Georgia Browns are guaranteed to captivate and delight anyone who experiences their exquisite symphony of flavors.

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36 Servings

Ingredients

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ROASTED PECANS:

• 2 c pecans halves or pieces
• 2 tablespoon butter melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

CHEWY CARAMEL:

• 1 c heavy cream
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 c white sugar
• 1/4 c corn syrup
• 1/4 c water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

CHOCOLATE TOPPING:

• 1 1/2 c good chocolate milk or dark, melted

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Instructions

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF.
2. Take some pecans. Mix them with melted butter then add a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes until the pecans are nicely roasted. Once done set them aside to cool.
4. While the pecans are cooling you can prepare the chewy caramel. In a saucepan gently warm up some cream and butter until they blend together smoothly.
5. In another pan combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring this mixture to a boil until it reaches a temperature between 250°F to 275°F (121°C. 135°C).
6. Remove the pan from heat. Carefully add the cream mixture to it. Don't forget to add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt well.
7. Now it's time for assembly! Place your pecans in either a muffin tin or, on a baking sheet.
8. Spoon the caramel over the pecans making sure they are nicely covered with that goodness! Allow them some time to cool down completely.
9. Once cooled you can take things up another level by dipping each Sweet Georgia Brown in melted chocolate indulgence!
10. Finally, let them set before serving so that all those flavors blend together harmoniously.
11. Now you're ready to enjoy your Sweet Georgia Browns!

Notes

Great news, for all the lovers who follow a gluten-free diet! You can indulge in these delicious Sweet Georgia Browns without any concerns. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it mainly consists of nuts, caramel and chocolate – all of which are typically devoid of gluten. However paying attention to a few details will ensure you have a gluten-free experience:

Check Your Chocolate: Although pure chocolate doesn't contain gluten some chocolate brands may manufacture their products in facilities that also handle ingredients containing gluten. Always read the labels carefully to ensure you're using gluten chocolate.

Be Mindful of Cross Contamination: If you share your kitchen with products that contain gluten take precautions. Use clean utensils, bowls and baking sheets to avoid any cross-contamination.

Importance of Ingredient Quality: Choose high-quality ingredients that are certified gluten-free, especially for items, like vanilla extract and corn syrup. This will guarantee that they haven't been processed with substances containing gluten.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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