Name: Irresistible Praline Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

Irresistible Praline Crunch is a delightful treat combining the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a caramelized, crunchy coating. Perfect as a snack or a topping for desserts, this sweet and nutty recipe is quick to make and sure to impress.

A black bowl filled to the top with glossy, caramelized pecans that have a rich, dark brown color and a sticky, shiny texture. Each pecan piece shows its natural ridges and a few grains of salt are scattered on the surface, making them look crunchy and fresh. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and some pecans are blurred in the background, adding depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the sugar mixture.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans to try different nut variations.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
Use light brown sugar for a milder molasses flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste.

Storage

Store praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To keep it crisp, avoid storing in humid environments. If it softens, re-crisp by warming in a low oven (about 250°F or 120°C) for 5 minutes, then cool before serving.

How to Serve

A black bowl filled with a large pile of glossy, caramel-coated pecans that have a rich brown color and a shiny texture. The pecans are closely packed, showing their ridged surface and some sparkling salt crystals on top. In the blurred background, more pecans are scattered loosely on a white marbled surface, adding depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts besides pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the nut size and freshness.

How do I prevent the praline from sticking together in one large clump?

Be sure to spread the coated pecans quickly and separate them well on the parchment paper before the mixture cools and hardens. Using a spatula or two forks can help keep the pieces individual.