Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 200 g tea biscuits (or digestive cookies)
- 80 g melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Nut Layer:
- 200 g chopped pecans
- 150 g brown sugar
- 100 g butter
- 60 ml heavy cream (30%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cream Layer:
- 250 g mascarpone cheese (or substitute with light cream cheese or Greek yogurt)
- 250 ml heavy cream (36%)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon gelatin (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
Caramel Topping:
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 60 ml heavy cream
Garnish:
- Whole pecans
- Extra biscuits around the edge (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Crush biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Combine with melted butter and brown sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Nut Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbling.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Add chopped pecans and stir to coat.
- Let cool slightly, then spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Layer
- Dissolve gelatin in water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
- Add the gelatin and mix until smooth.
- Spread over the nut layer. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Topping
- In a dry saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, swirling occasionally.
- Once amber-colored, carefully add butter, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in cream, whisking until smooth.
- Let cool before drizzling.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
- Once the dessert is set, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with whole pecans and, if desired, extra cookie crumbs or biscuits.
- Chill again briefly before slicing.
Notes
-
Nut Swap: Try walnuts or a mix of pecans and almonds.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and cream, and vegan cookies.
-
Texture Tip: Toast pecans before using for deeper flavor.
-
Crust Options: Graham crackers or gingersnaps also work well.
-
No Gelatin?: Omit for a softer cream layer, or use agar-agar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420