No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

The Perfect No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

Crafting delectable no-bake pecan coconut praline cookies promises a sweet adventure without turning on the oven.

Sweet tooths will dance with delight over this simple treat.

Minimal ingredients and zero baking time make these cookies a perfect quick dessert.

Crunchy pecans and smooth coconut create a magical flavor combination that melts in your mouth.

Rich caramel notes weave through each bite, delivering an irresistible texture.

Chilling transforms these cookies into a creamy, decadent indulgence that feels like a gourmet experience.

You can whip up this recipe in minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings.

Dive into this delightful no-fuss dessert that’ll become your new favorite sweet escape.

Sweet Twists On No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Praline Bars: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version while maintaining the same rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Vegan Caramel Coconut Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream, and replace chocolate with vegan dark chocolate chips for a plant-based alternative that keeps the original decadent texture.
  • Nut-Free Tropical Praline Bars: Swap pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, maintaining the crunch and adding a different nutty dimension for those with nut allergies.

Perfect Pairings For No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Craft Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a rich port wine with nutty undertones that beautifully mirror the toasted pecans and caramel notes in the dessert bars.
  • Brew Matching Coffee Experience: Prepare a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle chocolate and caramel hints that enhance the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Design Bourbon Companion: Choose a smooth Kentucky bourbon with vanilla and oak characteristics that harmonize with the praline's sweet, nutty elements.
  • Elevate Dessert Beverage Contrast: Mix a classic old fashioned cocktail featuring whiskey, bitters, and a touch of orange zest to cut through the dessert's richness.

How To Keep No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Fresh

  • Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping the praline bars fresh and preventing them from sticking together.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, preserving them for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, allowing them to soften gradually without losing their delicate structure.
  • Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, or let them sit at room temperature for optimal enjoyment, ensuring the chocolate and caramel remain smooth and delectable.

FAQs On No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Why toast the pecans before adding them to the recipe?

Toasting pecans intensifies their natural nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer taste to the praline bars. It also enhances their crunch and brings out their aromatic oils.

  • How do I know when the praline mixture is cooked to the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to check for 235-240°F, which creates the perfect caramel-like consistency. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a thick, bubbling mixture that forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water.

  • Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

You can swap graham crackers with similar cookie crumbs, use different nuts like walnuts instead of pecans, or replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate. Just maintain similar measurements to preserve the recipe’s overall structure.

Why No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Are A Treat

  • Craft Decadent Layers: Build a multi-textured dessert with contrasting graham cracker base, nutty praline filling, and rich chocolate drizzle that creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
  • Master Complex Techniques: Learn professional candy-making skills like caramelizing sugar, toasting nuts, and creating a precise praline mixture without intimidation, perfect for expanding culinary expertise.
  • Customize with Creativity: Swap pecans for almonds, adjust coconut quantities, or experiment with different chocolate types to personalize this versatile treat that welcomes kitchen innovation.
  • No-Fuss Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a seemingly sophisticated dessert that requires minimal technical skills and delivers maximum deliciousness in every single bite.

What’s Inside No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

For the Base:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a crunchy and sweet foundation for the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and adds rich flavor to the base layer.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a cohesive crust.
For the Praline Filling:
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious texture in the praline mixture.
  • Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and provides a glossy consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky praline texture.
  • Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic essence to the praline mixture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and complementary flavor.
For the Topping:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Offers a rich, intense chocolate layer for contrast.
  • Pecans, Coconut: Provide additional texture and visual appeal as a final garnish.

Steps To Make No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Grab your food processor or rolling pin and transform graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs. Crush them until they resemble delicate sand-like texture.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

Melt butter and mix with granulated sugar, forming a sticky, delectable binding for your graham cracker foundation.

Step 3: Press Cracker Foundation

Firmly press the buttery graham cracker mixture into a lined 9×9-inch pan, creating a solid, even base layer that will support your decadent praline creation.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Goodness

Heat chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Gently toast them for 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 5: Craft Praline Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Corn syrup
  • Butter

Heat the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.

Step 6: Perfect Praline Temperature

Cook the praline mixture until it reaches 235-240°F on a candy thermometer. This critical temperature creates a luxurious, caramel-like texture.

Step 7: Enhance Praline Filling

Remove from heat and quickly stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Toasted pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Ensure all ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 8: Layer Praline Goodness

Pour the warm praline filling evenly over the graham cracker base, carefully spreading to cover every inch of the foundation.

Step 9: Chocolate Drizzle

Melt dark chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Decorate and Garnish

Drizzle melted chocolate across the praline layer. Immediately sprinkle with:
  • Finely chopped pecans
  • Additional shredded coconut

Step 11: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely firm. This resting period allows flavors to mingle and texture to stabilize.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Cut into perfect squares. Serve chilled for maximum flavor and delightful texture.

Tips For No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, consistent base.
  • Toast Nuts for Maximum Flavor: Dry-roast pecans in a skillet for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty aroma and deepen their rich taste.
  • Monitor Praline Temperature Carefully: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 235-240°F for the ideal caramel-like consistency.
  • Drizzle Chocolate with Precision: Melt chocolate smoothly in the microwave or double boiler, then artfully drizzle over the praline layer for a professional finish.
  • Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the dessert for 2-3 hours to set completely, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become perfectly firm.
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No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2-3 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful no-bake pecan coconut praline cookies deliver sweet Southern charm with minimal effort. Rich caramel notes and nutty crunch create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Praline Filling:

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring a uniform texture for the base layer.
  2. Melt butter and blend with granulated sugar, creating a cohesive mixture that will bind the graham cracker foundation.
  3. Press the buttery graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
  4. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing their rich nutty essence.
  5. Combine brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan, heating to a rolling boil while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
  6. Cook the praline mixture until it reaches 235-240°F on a candy thermometer, creating a luscious caramel-like consistency.
  7. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract, salt, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  8. Pour the warm praline filling evenly over the graham cracker base, spreading carefully to cover the entire surface.
  9. Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  10. Drizzle melted chocolate across the praline layer, then immediately sprinkle with finely chopped pecans and additional shredded coconut.
  11. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely set and firm, allowing flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.
  12. Cut into squares, serving chilled for maximum flavor and structural integrity.

Notes

  • Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching the skillet closely and stirring frequently.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise praline temperature, ensuring the perfect caramel-like consistency without crystallization.
  • Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content to balance the sweetness of the praline and add depth of flavor.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the base’s texture and structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 242
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 53 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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