We’ve got the perfect appetizer recipe for a holiday cocktail party or a unique appetizer for New Year’s Eve. Caramel Pecan Baked Brie with Kahlua is an unexpected and mouthwatering recipe created by Amanda Henke, owner of Annie B’s Popcorn & Caramel. We’re talking warm brie, melted caramel mixed with Kahlua and combined with the slight crunch of flavorful pecans. The best part is this recipe requires only a few ingredients and it’s super easy to assemble.

Keep this recipe handy by pinning it to Pinterest.

One thing that makes this recipe nearly effortless is Annie B’s Baking Caramel. Never heard of it? I hadn’t either, but now I’m a fan. Annie B’s, makers of delectable popcorn and caramel products (see our review, “Annie B’s Popcorn and Caramel: Handcrafted Goodness”), makes buttery, slightly soft caramel packaged in convenient 1 lb. blocks, specifically for cooking and baking. No more having to make your own caramel or unwrapping dozens of caramel candies for recipes. Just cut off the amount of caramel you need and you’re good to go.

With Annie B’s Baking caramel, you simply cut off the amount you need.

The recipe also calls for puffed pastry crust. You can make your own, but it’s a time-consuming process. Instead, pick up a package of puffed pastry in the freezer section of better grocery stores (usually the packages contain two sheets of pastry). The pastry keeps well in the freezer.

You can transform a wheel of ho-hum brie into a spectacular appetizer/dessert.

Hungry for more? If you’re really into cheese, we’ve got a recipe for making chevre to share with you.

Recipe courtesy Annie B’s Confections

Makes 1 baked brie

1 refrigerated or homemade 9” puff pastry crust

1 brie wheel (13 to 17 ounce)

4 ounces Annie B’s Baking Caramel (1/4 block)

3 to 4 TBS Kahlua liqueur

1 cup pecans

1 egg

1 TBS water

Crackers

Melt the baking caramel at 15-second increments in the microwave.

Leave pastry crust at room temperature until it unrolls easily. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Depending on size of brie wheel, you may need to roll pastry crust to a larger size. Roll from the center out so that crust is large enough to meet in the center when folded around cheese wheel.

Place pastry on prepared pan. Place unwrapped Brie wheel in center of pastry.

Top the brie with the caramel, Kahlua, pecan mixture.

Melt caramel in the microwave in 15 second increments until melted and smooth. Stir in Kahlua until well combined. Fold in pecans. Spread on top of cheese wheel.
Bring up pastry over the top of the cheese wheel, pleating crust as you go. Beat egg and water in small bowl. Brush surface and sides with egg wash.

Brush the top of the pastry wrapped brie with an egg wash.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Transfer to serving dish or platter and serve warm with mild flavored crackers.

Serve this spectacular appetizer with mild crackers.