Pecan Dandy Do’s – Buttery, Caramel-Crunchy No-Bake Treats That Melt in Your Mouth

🛒 Ingredients

2–3 sleeves  Ritz crackers (about 40  crackers)

1 (14 oz) can  sweetened condensed milk

⅓ cup (5 tbsp / 76g) unsalted butter

⅓ cup (67g) packed brown sugar

2 tbsp milk (whole or 2%)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

2 cups (200g) pecans, roughly chopped

🔥 Pro Tip: Toast the pecans first (350°F for 8 mins) — deepens flavor 10x!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep & Arrange Crackers

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer — side by side, not overlapping.

✅ Work in batches if needed.

2️⃣ Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:

Sweetened condensed milk

Butter

Brown sugar

Stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer.

3️⃣ Simmer Until Thickened

Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until mixture turns light golden and coats the back of a spoon.

❌ Don’t walk away — it can burn quickly!

4️⃣ Add Spices & Nuts

Reduce heat to low.

Whisk in:

Milk

Vanilla

Cinnamon & nutmeg

Stir in chopped pecans.

Cook 2 more minutes, stirring, until thick and glossy.

5️⃣ Top the Crackers

Remove from heat.

Use a greased cookie scoop or spoon to drop a small mound of warm caramel-pecan mixture onto each cracker.

✅ Grease the scoop/spoon with butter or non-stick spray — prevents sticking.

6️⃣ Cool & Set

Let sit at room temperature 30+ minutes until fully cooled and set.

For faster setting, place in fridge for 15 mins.

7️⃣ Store & Serve

Gently break apart and store in an airtight container.

Keep at room temp up to 1 week.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

At holiday parties or potlucks

Gifted in mason jars with a festive tag

Paired with coffee or spiced tea

Variations & Pro Hacks

🌱 Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free butter crackers (like Schär Table Crackers)

🥜 Nut Swap: Try walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts

🔥 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or espresso powder

🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps 1 week at room temp — no refrigeration needed

❄️ Freeze It? Not recommended — texture changes when thawed

🍯 Extra Crunch? Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before cooling

🧠 Why This Works So Well

Sweetened condensed milk + butter = foolproof caramel base without crystallization