Irresistible Praline Pecan Treats Recipe: Sweet Southern Magic

Sweet praline pecan treats offer a decadent southern delicacy that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Nutty caramelized layers create rich, indulgent moments of pure culinary bliss.

These delectable confections blend sugary sophistication with rustic charm and irresistible texture.

Crafted from simple ingredients, praline pecan treats convert ordinary pantry staples into extraordinary dessert magic.

Generations of passionate bakers have perfected this classic recipe, infusing each bite with warmth and nostalgia.

Crisp caramel notes dance alongside toasted pecans, producing a harmonious symphony of flavor and crunch.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these mouthwatering confections that promise pure delight.

How to Prepare Praline Pecan Treats

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Get your baking sheet ready for the sweet transformation.

Step 2: Pop The Corn

Prepare popcorn following package instructions. Ensure every kernel is perfectly popped and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients

• Freshly popped popcorn
• Whole pecan halves

Step 4: Create Praline Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Butter

• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda

Step 5: Coat And Bake

Pour the praline glaze over the popcorn and pecans. Toss until every piece is generously coated. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring thoroughly every 20 minutes to ensure even caramelization.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Carefully spread the hot praline-coated popcorn onto wax or parchment paper. Allow to cool completely. Break into delectable clusters. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Best Tips for Praline Pecan Treats

• Prevent Sticking: Line your baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal and cleanup of the praline pecan treats.
• Control Caramelization: Watch the sugar mixture closely while boiling to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the entire batch.
• Even Coating Technique: Use a large wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold the praline sauce into the popcorn and pecans, ensuring every kernel gets a delicious caramel layer.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow the treats to cool completely before breaking into clusters to achieve a crisp, crunchy texture that holds together perfectly.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep the praline pecan treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storing and Reheating Praline Pecan Treats

• Refrigeration: Store the Praline Pecan Treats in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Seal tightly to maintain crispness and prevent moisture from softening the snack. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated properly.
• Freezing: Transfer the treats to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 weeks without losing flavor or texture. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Reheating: Quickly crisp up the treats by spreading them on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 250ºF oven for 5-10 minutes.

Pairing Praline Pecan Treats with Your Favorite Drinks

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these sweet praline treats with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that balances the caramel-like sweetness and cuts through the buttery pecan glaze.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Serve alongside a glass of tawny port or a sweet Moscato, which complements the candied popcorn's nutty and caramel notes while providing a luxurious drinking experience.
• Craft a Creamy Contrast: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a cool, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, warm praline coating.
• Create a Cocktail Pairing: Mix a classic old fashioned or bourbon-based cocktail that echoes the caramel and nutty flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile of these decadent popcorn treats.

Creative Variations for Praline Pecan Treats

• Chocolate Caramel Crunch: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the praline popcorn after cooling, adding extra richness and decadent flavor to the classic recipe.
• Salted Maple Pecan Edition: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and sprinkle sea salt flakes over the mixture before baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
• Coconut Praline Sensation: Mix shredded toasted coconut into the popcorn and pecan blend, creating a tropical-inspired version with additional nutty undertones and crispy texture.
• Spiced Autumn Blend: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ground ginger into the praline glaze, transforming the treat into a warm, seasonal snack perfect for fall gatherings.

Why Praline Pecan Treats Are So Addictive

• Indulge in Sweet Southern Comfort: This treat captures the rich, buttery essence of traditional Southern praline candy, transformed into a crunchy popcorn snack that delivers an irresistible blend of caramelized sugar and toasted pecans.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice home cooks to create a sophisticated dessert with simple steps and everyday ingredients that come together in just over an hour.
• Texture Explosion: Each bite offers a delightful contrast between crispy, caramel-coated popcorn and crunchy, buttery pecan halves, creating a multi-dimensional snacking experience that keeps taste buds excited and engaged.
• Perfect Party Companion: Whether served at game nights, holiday gatherings, or casual movie evenings, these praline pecan treats bring a homemade touch that feels both nostalgic and gourmet, making them a crowd-pleasing snack for any occasion.

Ingredients for Praline Pecan Treats

• Popcorn: Fresh, light, and crunchy base for the sweet treat.
• Pecan Halves: Rich, buttery nuts that add a classic Southern crunch and nutty flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create the sticky coating.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the praline mixture together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Baking Soda: Creates lighter, more aerated texture in the praline coating.

• Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Helps cool and separate the praline treats without sticking.

Praline Pecan Treats Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Praline Pecan Treats showcase Southern comfort with caramelized pecans and brown sugar creating irresistible confections. Buttery, crunchy morsels melt on your palate, delivering pure indulgence straight from classic New Orleans culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nuts:

• 3 cups pecan halves (710 ml)

Sweet Base:

• 1 cup brown sugar (240 ml)
• 1 cup corn syrup (240 ml)
• 1 cup butter (227 grams / 8 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)

Popcorn Component:

• 2 bags microwave popcorn (3.3 ounces each, approximately 93 grams per bag)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 ml)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius), creating the perfect warm environment for transforming popcorn and pecans into a delectable treat.
2. Prepare the popcorn according to package instructions, ensuring each kernel is perfectly puffed and crisp.
3. Combine the freshly popped corn kernels with whole pecan halves in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a delightful base for the sweet coating.
4. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, merge brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
5. Immediately remove the caramel-like syrup from heat, then quickly incorporate vanilla extract and baking soda, whisking until the mixture becomes light and foamy.
6. Cascade the warm praline glaze over the popcorn and pecan mixture, gently folding to ensure every morsel is evenly coated with the sweet caramelized mixture.
7. Transfer the glazed mixture to a large baking pan, spreading it in an even layer to promote consistent cooking and caramelization.
8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the treat to bake for 1 hour, interrupting the process every 20 minutes to stir and prevent uneven browning.
9. Once baking is complete, carefully spread the hot praline-coated mixture onto wax or parchment paper, allowing it to cool and crisp up.
10. Gently break the cooled treats into individual clusters, creating a crunchy, sweet snack perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

Notes

• Swap regular popcorn for gourmet varieties like white cheddar or kettle corn to create unique flavor profiles.
• Toast pecans briefly before mixing to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent sugar mixture from burning and ensure even caramelization.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain optimal crispness.
• Watch praline glaze carefully during boiling to prevent scorching, stirring constantly for smooth consistency.
• Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and elevate the overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 467 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 196 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg