Irresistible Praline Pecan Treats Recipe: Sweet Southern Magic

Sweet, golden praline pecan treats shimmer with southern charm and irresistible nutty richness.

Pecans roasted to perfection blend seamlessly with caramelized sugar in this decadent recipe.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and deep, complex flavors.

The crisp edges and soft, buttery center create pure dessert magic.

Warm notes of vanilla and brown sugar dance across your palate with every morsel.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these delightful confections as more than just a dessert.

Dive into this recipe and experience a taste of pure indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 232 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Praline Pecan Treats

• Popcorn: Crisp, light base that provides the perfect canvas for the sweet praline coating, choose fresh kernels for optimal popping.
• Pecan Halves: Crunchy, buttery nuts that add rich, earthy flavor and delightful texture to the treat.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create the signature sticky coating, select fresh, soft sugar without lumps.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth, glossy glaze and prevents sugar crystallization, opt for high-quality light corn syrup.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the praline mixture, use unsalted for better control of sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the praline glaze, choose pure vanilla for best flavor.
• Baking Soda: Creates lightness and helps caramelization process, use fresh, unexpired baking soda.

Helpful Equipment for Praline Pecan Treats

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining popcorn and pecans.
• Large Saucepan: Essential for creating the praline glaze over medium-high heat.
• Baking Pan: Needed to spread and bake the popcorn mixture evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring the glaze and mixing ingredients.
• Wax or Parchment Paper: Great for cooling and preventing sticky treats from sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot pans and baking dishes.

Make Praline Pecan Treats with These Steps

• Oven Warmup

Create a cozy baking environment by setting your oven to a gentle 250ºF, preparing for the sweet transformation ahead.

• Popcorn Preparation

Craft your popcorn base using your favorite popping method, ensuring each kernel is perfectly golden and crisp.

• Caramel Magic

In a shimmering saucepan, dance brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter together over medium heat, watching them meld into a rich, amber nectar. Remove from heat and stir in a splash of vanilla and a pinch of baking soda for extra sparkle.

• Sweet Coating

Drench your popcorn and pecan treasures with the luscious caramel sauce, gently folding until every morsel is kissed with sweetness.

• Baking Ritual

Spread the glossy mixture on a baking sheet, sliding it into the warm oven. Let it transform for an hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even caramelization.

• Cooling and Serving

Spread the glistening treats on parchment paper, allowing them to cool and crisp. Break into delightful clusters and enjoy your crunchy, nutty masterpiece.

Creative Spins on Praline Pecan Treats

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled praline mixture for an extra decadent twist that transforms the snack into a gourmet dessert.
• Store the praline popcorn in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining its crispy crunch and sweet caramel coating perfect for grab-and-go snacking.
• Add a pinch of sea salt or ground cinnamon to the praline glaze for a sophisticated flavor enhancement that balances the sweetness of the caramel.

Serving Ideas for Praline Pecan Treats

• Elevate Party Snacking: Serve these praline pecan treats in colorful individual paper cones for a festive game day or movie night gathering.
• Create Sweet Gifting Packages: Package cooled treats in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for homemade holiday presents that look professionally crafted.
• Dessert Accompaniment Magic: Crumble the treats over vanilla ice cream or use as a crunchy topping for creamy puddings to add delightful texture and caramel-like sweetness.
• Breakfast Surprise Twist: Sprinkle these candied popcorn pieces over morning yogurt or morning pancakes for an unexpected morning treat with rich pecan flavor.

Keeping Praline Pecan Treats Fresh Longer

• Store Smartly: Transfer cooled treats to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep Fresh Longer: Maintain room temperature storage for up to 5 days, ensuring the praline coating remains crunchy and delectable.
• Freeze for Future Snacking: Pack treats in freezer-safe bags or containers, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks without losing texture or flavor.
• Prevent Sticky Situations: Layer wax paper between treat portions to stop pieces from clumping together during storage, making grab-and-go snacking easier.

Sticky Praline Pecan Treats Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern praline pecan treats showcase classic Louisiana culinary traditions with rich caramelized pecans and creamy sugar coating. Crisp candied pecans provide delightful crunch while comforting palates with nostalgic Southern hospitality you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) pecan halves
• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) corn syrup
• 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) butter
• 2 bags microwave popcorn (3.3 oz / 93 g each)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius), establishing an ideal environment for transforming popcorn and pecans into a delectable confection.
2. Kernel Preparation: Pop the corn kernels according to package instructions, ensuring a crisp and uniform texture throughout the batch.
3. Base Composition: Merge freshly popped corn with whole pecan halves in a generously sized mixing vessel, creating a foundational layer for the upcoming sweet transformation.
4. Caramel Crafting: In a sturdy saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium-high temperature, stirring intermittently until the mixture erupts into a vigorous boil.
5. Flavor Infusion: Immediately extract the syrup from heat, then rapidly whisk in vanilla extract and baking soda, watching the mixture metamorphose into a light, airy foam.
6. Coating Technique: Drench the popcorn and pecan ensemble with the warm praline glaze, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coverage of the sweet caramelized essence.
7. Baking Setup: Distribute the glazed mixture across a spacious baking pan, creating an even landscape to guarantee uniform caramelization and crisp texture.
8. Oven Transformation: Position the pan in the preheated oven for 1 hour, interrupting the process every 20 minutes to redistribute and prevent uneven browning.
9. Cooling Finale: Once baking concludes, carefully disperse the molten praline-coated mixture onto wax or parchment paper, allowing it to cool and solidify into crisp clusters.

Notes

• Butter Coating Tip: Lightly grease baking pan with butter to prevent sticky residue and make cleanup easier.
• Even Stirring Technique: Consistently stir mixture every 20 minutes to ensure uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
• Sugar Watching Alert: Monitor caramel syrup closely during boiling to avoid scorching and maintain perfect golden color.
• Storage Recommendation: Store cooled treats in airtight container at room temperature for maximum crunchiness up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg