One of my favorite weekend treats to whip up is this Praline Crunch . It’s one of those delicious snacks that delivers a sweet and nutty punch while being surprisingly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and under fifteen minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for those busy Manhattan afternoons when the children and I want something quick but tasty. The best part? It fills the whole apartment with the warm, sweet aroma of pecans and caramelized sugar.
Check out our crescent roll breakfast recipes for another delightful start to your day.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Praline Crunch is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and it’s ready before you know it! The recipe is flexible because you can add a pinch of cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s great for family movie nights, or you can gift it in cute jars for the holidays. Plus, you’ll feel like a supermom when you pull this scrumptious treat off in just 15 minutes.
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
Step-by-step instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until fully combined and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add pecan halves to the skillet and stir continuously for 5–7 minutes until well coated.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla, optional cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Quickly spread the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper using a spatula. Separate pecans to prevent clumping.
- Allow to cool completely before storing or serving.
Recipe tips & variations
For an extra kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to give the Praline Crunch a surprising little spiciness that balances its sweetness. You can also swap the pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer. Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled pralines can make it an irresistible treat for your little chocoholics.
Storage & reheating
Store your Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you find it starts to clump together, a gentle tapping of the container can help break them apart. While reheating isn’t necessary, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes if you want to enjoy them warm again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but consider reducing or omitting the sea salt to balance the flavors.
How can I avoid the pecans from clumping together?
Ensure you stir the nuts well to coat them evenly with the sugar mixture. While spreading them out on the parchment paper, separate them quickly with a spatula.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can make this Praline Crunch a few days ahead. It stores well in an airtight container, keeping it fresh and delicious.
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This Praline Crunch has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be a hit in yours too. Enjoy your sweet journey with this easy and delightful snack!
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Praline Crunch
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
A quick and easy sweet and nutty treat with pecans and caramelized sugar.
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
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until fully combined and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add pecan halves to the skillet and stir continuously for 5–7 minutes until well coated.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla, optional cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Quickly spread the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper using a spatula. Separate pecans to prevent clumping.
- Allow to cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
- For an extra kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Swapping the pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts is also an option.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate can enhance the treat.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg