Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe: A Sweet-Savory Treat

Crafting delectable sea salted praline pecan clusters brings pure joy to any dessert enthusiast’s kitchen.

Nutty caramelized pecans dance with sweet sugar, creating a mesmerizing treat that melts in your mouth.

Each cluster promises a symphony of rich, complex flavors that balance perfectly between sweet and salty.

Crisp textures emerge as you bite into these irresistible morsels, revealing layers of delightful crunch.

Small batches allow for precise control and guaranteed deliciousness every single time.

Chocolate lovers and nut enthusiasts will find themselves completely enchanted by this simple yet sophisticated confection.

You’ll want to share these addictive clusters with everyone who appreciates a truly remarkable sweet indulgence.

Pairings That Go Well with Pecan Clusters

• Pair Sweet Pecan Clusters with Complementary Flavors
• Smooth, caramel-rich bourbon amplifies the nutty, sweet praline notes and cuts through the richness.
• Dark roasted espresso or cappuccino creates a delightful contrast with the sweet clusters, enhancing their deep caramel undertones.
• Choose a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose honeyed sweetness beautifully complements the pecans' warmth and caramel's depth.
• Chamomile or rooibos tea provides a gentle, soothing counterpoint to the clusters' intense sweetness, cleansing the palate between bites.

New Ideas for Praline Pecan Recipes

Gluten-Free Pecan Delight: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup or honey for a natural gluten-free alternative that maintains the rich, sweet flavor profile.

Vegan Caramel Pecan Clusters: Swap butter with coconut oil, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and select dairy-free dark chocolate for a plant-based version that’s equally indulgent.

Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the classic praline taste and crunchy pecan texture.

Keto-Friendly Version: Use sugar-free erythritol or allulose as a sugar replacement, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and add extra crushed pecans to boost the fat content for a ketogenic-friendly treat.

Why Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Are Addictive

• These sea salted praline pecan clusters deliver restaurant-quality dessert in minutes, perfect for home cooks seeking impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Using just a few pantry staples like pecans, brown sugar, and chocolate, this recipe transforms simple components into elegant, professional-looking confections that taste incredibly luxurious.
• Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different chocolate types, adding extra spices, or creating variations that suit individual preferences, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday gift-giving.
• With straightforward steps and basic kitchen tools, even novice bakers can confidently create these delectable clusters, ensuring success and boosting culinary confidence with every batch.

Ingredients for Pecan Praline Clusters

• Pecans: Rich, buttery flavor that creates the base of the clusters, best when freshly toasted for maximum crunch and nutty taste.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream, Corn Syrup: Classic praline caramel components that create a sweet, glossy coating with deep caramel flavor.

• Vanilla Extract, Sea Salt: Adds depth and balances the sweetness with complex flavor notes.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides optional rich chocolate coating that complements the nutty and caramel flavors, works well with dark or milk varieties.

• Extra Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top for a gourmet touch and flavor contrast.

How to Make Sea Salted Pecan Treats

Step 1: Roast Nutty Bases

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread pecan halves across a baking sheet. Roast for 7-10 minutes until a rich, toasty aroma fills the kitchen. Allow pecans to cool completely.

Step 2: Create Luscious Caramel Coating

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Corn syrup

• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

Step 3: Build Cluster Foundations

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Create small pecan clusters by arranging 4-5 pecan halves together. Generously drizzle warm caramel over each cluster, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Enhance With Chocolate Decadence

Optional chocolate addition method:

Microwave chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until perfectly smooth. Drizzle or dip clusters in melted chocolate.

Step 5: Add Finishing Salt Touch

While caramel or chocolate remains warm, sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt over each cluster.

Step 6: Cool And Preserve Treats

Allow clusters to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness, enjoying within one week.

Handy Tips for Crunchy and Sweet Pecan Clusters

• Maximize Pecan Toasting: Ensure even roasting by stirring pecans halfway through baking, releasing rich nutty flavors and preventing burning.
• Prevent Caramel Crystallization: Use a clean, dry pastry brush to wash down sugar crystals from pan sides while cooking, creating smooth, glossy caramel.
• Master Chocolate Drizzling: Let melted chocolate cool slightly before drizzling to achieve a more controlled, elegant coating on praline clusters.
• Customize Salt Intensity: Adjust sea salt quantity based on personal preference- sprinkle lightly for subtle saltiness or generously for bold flavor contrast.
• Store Smart: Keep clusters in a cool, dry place in an airtight container between parchment layers to maintain crispness and prevent sticking.

Storage Advice for Pecan Candy That Lasts

• Seal clusters in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days, maintaining their crisp texture and delicious flavor.
• Carefully wrap individual clusters in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality or taste.
• Remove clusters from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to preserve their original crunch and caramel consistency.
• Bring refrigerated or frozen clusters to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy within an hour of thawing for optimal taste and crispness.

Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible sea salted praline pecan clusters elevate sweet indulgence with classic Southern charm. Crunchy pecans caramelized in golden sugar deliver rich, complex flavors you can’t resist savoring.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (200 grams / 7.05 ounces) pecan halves, toasted
• 1 cup (200 grams / 7.05 ounces) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter

Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) light corn syrup

Flavor Enhancers and Optional Coating:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 cup (180 grams / 6.35 ounces) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional, for coating)

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Instructions

1. Carefully toast pecan halves in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 7-10 minutes until aromatic, releasing their rich, nutty essence. Allow the pecans to cool and settle to room temperature.
2. Create the praline caramel by melting butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Incorporate brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup, stirring consistently until the mixture reaches 240F (115C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and gently fold in vanilla extract and sea salt, creating a smooth, glossy caramel base.
3. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Construct small clusters by arranging 4-5 toasted pecan halves in compact groups. Generously drizzle the warm praline caramel over each cluster, ensuring complete and even coating of the nuts.
4. For an indulgent variation, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring until perfectly smooth. Embellish the clusters by either drizzling melted chocolate across the surface or delicately dipping cluster bottoms into the molten chocolate.
5. While the caramel or chocolate remains warm and slightly fluid, sprinkle a delicate pinch of sea salt over each cluster, enhancing the complex flavor profile with a subtle saline crunch.
6. Allow the praline pecan clusters to cool completely at room temperature or expedite the process by chilling in the refrigerator until firm and set. Store the delectable treats in an airtight container, preserving their crisp texture for up to one week.

Notes

• Perfectly toast pecans by spreading them evenly on the baking sheet to ensure uniform golden-brown color and enhance their nutty flavor.
• Prevent sugar crystallization while making caramel by using a clean pastry brush to wash down sugar crystals from the saucepan’s sides during cooking.
• Customize clusters for dietary needs by substituting ingredients like using coconut cream for heavy cream or maple syrup for corn syrup to create vegan or alternative versions.
• Control caramel consistency by using a candy thermometer and removing from heat precisely at soft-ball stage to achieve the ideal chewy texture without burning the mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 31 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg