No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Recipe

The Perfect No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Recipe for Sweet Tooths

No-bake coconut pecan praline enchants sweet lovers with its irresistible blend of tropical and nutty notes.

Silky coconut mingles seamlessly with crunchy pecans, creating a dessert that dances between smooth and crisp textures.

Minimal ingredients reinvent into something magical without ever touching an oven.

Each bite promises a rich, decadent experience that feels simultaneously elegant and comforting.

Rich layers of flavor unfold naturally, revealing a sophisticated yet approachable treat.

The magic happens quickly, requiring just a few simple steps to craft something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this effortless confection that will become your new go-to dessert.

Why This Coconut Pecan Praline Treat Is No-Bake Brilliance

Why This Coconut Pecan Praline Treat Is No-Bake Brilliance
  • Savor Quick Toasted Delights: These no-bake coconut pecan pralines deliver intense nutty flavors without complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy home bakers seeking delectable treats in minimal time.
  • Enjoy Texture-Rich Clusters: Crunchy toasted pecans combined with soft, chewy coconut create a delightful mouthfeel that dances between crisp and smooth textures, making each bite an exciting sensory experience.
  • Celebrate Effortless Sweet Indulgence: Requiring just a single saucepan and simple stovetop method, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into gourmet-style confections that look professionally crafted but are surprisingly easy to prepare, making dessert-making accessible for everyone.

What You’ll Need for This Toasty, Nutty Dessert

Nuts:
  • Pecans: Fresh, crisp nuts with rich flavor that provide crunch and depth to the praline.
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and textural interest to the praline clusters.
Sweeteners and Dairy:
  • Granulated Sugar: Primary sweetening agent that creates smooth praline texture.
  • Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and ensures glossy, soft praline consistency.
  • Evaporated Milk: Creamy component that contributes richness and smooth mouthfeel.
  • Butter: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and enhances overall flavor profile.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex background flavor to complement nutty elements.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall taste of the praline.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for cooling and forming praline clusters.

How to Whip Up Coconut Pecan Pralines Without an Oven

How to Whip Up Coconut Pecan Pralines Without an Oven

Step 1: Roast Pecans and Coconut

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and light golden. Optional: Toast shredded coconut alongside pecans for extra flavor. Set toasted ingredients aside.

Step 2: Create Praline Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Evaporated milk
  • Salt

Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until mixture blends smoothly and gentle bubbles form on surface.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Remove from heat. Stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Toasted pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Form Praline Clusters

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto paper, creating small mounds or clusters. Let cool for 30 minutes to set shape.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, carefully lift praline clusters from parchment paper. Serve and savor these delectable sweet treats!

Tips for Perfect Texture in Every Crunchy-Sweet Bite

Tips for Perfect Texture in Every Crunchy-Sweet Bite
  • Toast Nuts Perfectly: Stir pecans constantly during toasting to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown color with maximum nutty flavor.
  • Control Sugar Consistency: Watch the mixture carefully when heating, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and achieve smooth, glossy caramel texture.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality pecans and fresh coconut for the most intense, rich flavor in your pralines.
  • Master Cooling Technique: Allow pralines to cool completely at room temperature, giving them time to set and develop a perfect chewy-crisp texture.
  • Store Smartly: Keep pralines in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate shape and prevent sticking.

Keep Your No-Bake Pralines Fresh and Fabulous

Keep Your No-Bake Pralines Fresh and Fabulous
  • Refrigeration: Store pralines in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep them chilled for up to 7 days to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sticky surfaces. Separate each layer carefully to avoid clumping.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual pralines in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing flavor or quality. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Room Temperature: For short-term storage, keep pralines in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and humidity. Place in a cool, dry spot where temperature remains consistent. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.

What Complements Coconut Pecan Treats Like a Charm

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with a splash of cream to complement the sweet and nutty praline clusters. The smooth coffee balances the caramel-like texture and enhances the toasted pecan flavors.
  • Match with Bourbon Caramel Cocktail: Create a warm bourbon cocktail with caramel notes that mirror the praline's sweet profile. The smoky bourbon highlights the toasted nuts and creates a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to the praline clusters for a contrasting temperature and texture. The cool, smooth ice cream cuts through the praline's richness and adds a delightful sensory contrast.
  • Complement with Chai Tea Elixir: Steep a warming chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to echo the praline's complex flavor profile. The spicy undertones of the tea beautifully enhance the nutty, caramel-like sweetness of the dessert.

Ways to Rework This No-Bake Favorite Into New Forms

  • Tropical Coconut Praline Bars: Transform the recipe by pressing the mixture into a lined pan, creating a sliceable bar with extra toasted coconut and a drizzle of dark chocolate on top.
  • Maple Pecan Praline Clusters: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor and sprinkle sea salt flakes over the finished clusters for added complexity.
  • Spiced Nutty Praline Bites: Add ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of cardamom to the mixture for a warm, aromatic variation that elevates the traditional praline profile.
  • Bourbon Pecan Praline Crunch: Incorporate a tablespoon of bourbon into the caramel mixture and top the clusters with crushed graham crackers for an adult-friendly version with deep, complex flavors.
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No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Recipe

No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x

Description

Luscious No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline delivers Southern charm with silky caramel and nutty crunch. Chilled layers of creamy coconut and toasted pecans create a delightful dessert you’ll savor down to the last indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups toasted pecans (chopped)
  • 2 cups shredded coconut

Liquid Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup corn syrup
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup evaporated milk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Carefully heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding chopped pecans. Toast the pecans for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they release a nutty aroma and develop a light golden-brown color. Transfer the toasted pecans to a separate plate and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter (113 grams/) over medium heat. Gradually add granulated sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture continuously for 6-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and starts to form gentle bubbles across the surface.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Fold in the previously toasted pecans and shredded coconut, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  4. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of the praline mixture onto the prepared surface. Space the clusters approximately 2 inches apart to prevent them from touching.
  5. Allow the praline clusters to cool and solidify at room temperature for 35-40 minutes. Once completely set and firm, gently lift each praline from the parchment paper using a thin spatula. Serve and enjoy these delectable sweet treats immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans transforms their raw flavor, releasing rich, nutty aromatics that elevate the entire praline experience.
  • Carefully melting butter creates a smooth, golden base that supports the caramelization process with delicate precision.
  • Stirring sugar, corn syrup, and milk develops a luxurious caramel texture that binds all ingredients together seamlessly.
  • Adding vanilla extract introduces a warm, comforting undertone that softens the praline’s intense sweetness.
  • Cooling on parchment paper allows each cluster to form a delicate, crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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