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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the popcorn according to package instructions, ensuring each kernel is perfectly puffed and crisp.
- Combine the freshly popped corn kernels with whole pecan halves in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a delightful base for the sweet coating.
- 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.
- Immediately remove the caramel-like syrup from heat, then quickly incorporate vanilla extract and baking soda, whisking until the mixture becomes light and foamy.
- 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.
- Transfer the glazed mixture to a large baking pan, spreading it in an even layer to promote consistent cooking and caramelization.
- 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.
- Once baking is complete, carefully spread the hot praline-coated mixture onto wax or parchment paper, allowing it to cool and crisp up.
- 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