Irresistible Praline Crunch Recipe

Introduction

Irresistible Praline Crunch is a sweet and nutty treat that combines caramelized pecans with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. This easy recipe makes a perfect snack or a crunchy topping for desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large nonstick skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until fully combined and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add pecan halves to the skillet and stir continuously for 5–7 minutes until well coated.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract, optional cinnamon, and sea salt.
6. Step 6: Quickly spread the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper using a spatula. Separate pecans to prevent clumping.
7. Step 7: Allow to cool completely before storing or serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before coating them in the praline mixture.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans to change up the flavor.

Storage

Store the praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh the crunchiness, warm slightly in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added sea salt to avoid making the pralines too salty.

How do I prevent the praline from sticking together?

Spread the coated pecans quickly and separate them well on the parchment paper before they cool to prevent clumping.

Irresistible Praline Crunch Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

Irresistible Praline Crunch is a delightful sweet treat featuring crunchy pecan halves coated in a luscious caramelized brown sugar and butter mixture, enhanced with subtle vanilla and cinnamon notes. Perfect as a snack or topping for desserts, this easy-to-make praline is rich, buttery, and packed with delightful texture.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Praline Crunch Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to create a non-stick surface for the praline mixture to cool on.
2. Melt Butter: In a large nonstick skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until completely liquid and hot.
3. Combine Brown Sugar: Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and stir continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fully combined and bubbling, indicating the sugar is caramelizing properly.
4. Coat Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the skillet and stir continuously for 5 to 7 minutes to ensure each pecan is fully coated with the caramel mixture and starts to crisp up slightly.
5. Add Flavorings: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon if using, and sea salt to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the praline.
6. Spread Mixture: Quickly spread the hot pecan mixture onto the prepared parchment paper using a spatula, separating the pecans to prevent clumping as it cools.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the praline crunch to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens and becomes crunchy, then store or serve as desired.

Notes

• Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the caramel from sticking and burning.
• Work quickly when spreading the praline on parchment paper as it hardens rapidly.
• Optional cinnamon adds a warm spice note but can be omitted if preferred.
• Store praline crunch in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
• Allow to cool fully before breaking into pieces to avoid sticky clusters.

Keywords: praline, pecan praline, caramelized pecans, sweet snack, praline crunch