Description
Praline crunch elevates dessert experience with Southern charm and irresistible nutty sweetness. Crisp pecans and caramelized sugar create a delightful symphony of textures you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Praline Base:
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Binding and Crunch Elements:
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Coating and Finishing:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal of the praline crunch.
- In a heavy-bottomed skillet, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water, heating over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble and caramelize.
- Carefully add pecans and almonds to the caramel, stirring continuously to coat each nut evenly and prevent burning, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and salt into the nutty caramel mixture, stirring vigorously to create a glossy, even coating.
- Pour the praline nut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a thin, even layer using a spatula.
- Allow the praline to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes, during which it will harden and develop a crisp texture.
- Melt dark chocolate with vegetable oil using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled praline, creating an artistic pattern across the surface.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate while it’s still wet, if desired, for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate, then break the praline into irregular, bite-sized pieces.
- Store the Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining its crisp texture and rich flavor.
Notes
- Toast nuts beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and enhance the overall taste of the praline crunch.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, ensuring the caramel reaches the perfect golden-brown stage without burning.
- Experiment with different nut combinations like pistachios or cashews to create unique flavor variations that suit personal preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, double-check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the corn syrup and chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg