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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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