Golden Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe

Chocolate and caramel dance together in these irresistible sea salted praline pecan clusters that promise a symphony of rich, decadent flavors.

Sweet, nutty pecans provide the perfect crunch against smooth caramel layers.

The delicate sea salt sprinkled on top cuts through the sweetness, creating a sophisticated balance.

Each cluster offers a luxurious bite that melts seamlessly on your tongue.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these treats require minimal effort but deliver maximum indulgence.

You’ll love how the praline’s buttery notes complement the deep chocolate undertones.

These clusters are the ultimate homemade confection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 23

Main Ingredients For Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a rich, buttery crunch that forms the heart of these delectable clusters. Choose fresh, plump pecans with a golden color and no signs of discoloration or rancid smell.

• Butter: Creates a silky, luxurious base for the praline caramel, adding depth and richness. Select high-quality unsalted butter for the most consistent flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Opt for fresh, soft brown sugar with no hardened lumps.
• Heavy Cream: Brings smoothness and helps achieve the perfect caramel consistency. Look for full-fat cream with a rich, creamy texture.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a glossy, smooth caramel. Choose light corn syrup for a clean, sweet finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile. Select pure vanilla extract for the most authentic taste.
• Sea Salt: Provides a bright, crisp contrast to the sweet caramel. Use flaky sea salt for a delightful texture and flavor burst.

• Chocolate Chips: Offers a luxurious coating that adds extra decadence. Choose high-quality chocolate with a smooth melting characteristic.

Tools You’ll Use For Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Baking sheet: Essential for toasting pecans and creating clusters.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for preparing praline caramel.
• Candy thermometer: Crucial for monitoring caramel temperature accurately.
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula: Great for stirring caramel mixture.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Needed for melting chocolate (optional step).
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

Quick Steps To Make Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Pecan Toasting

Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven until they release a rich, aromatic scent. The gentle heat will awaken their natural oils and enhance their flavor profile.

• Caramel Creation

In a saucepan, transform butter, brown sugar, cream, and corn syrup into a luscious golden mixture. Cook the blend until it reaches a silky, smooth consistency that promises indulgent sweetness.

• Cluster Assembly

Create small pecan islands on a lined baking sheet. Cascade the warm caramel over each nutty mound, ensuring every pecan gets a luxurious coating that binds them together in delectable harmony.

• Chocolate Embellishment

Melt chocolate until it becomes a glossy river. Drizzle or dip the clusters, adding a decadent layer of richness that complements the caramel’s warmth.

• Finishing Touch

While the caramel and chocolate are still warm, sprinkle a delicate whisper of sea salt across each cluster. This final flourish balances the sweetness with a sophisticated hint of brininess.

• Cooling and Enjoying

Allow the clusters to set completely, transforming into crisp, irresistible treats. Store in a sealed container, ready to surprise and delight whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Flavor Ideas For Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Pecan Perfection: Pro Tips and Tasty Twists
• Toasting Trick: Always toast pecans before using to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer taste. Watch them closely to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly golden to charred in seconds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These clusters can be prepared up to a week in advance, making them ideal for holiday gifts or last-minute dessert emergencies. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.
• Dietary Swap Options: For gluten-free friends, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Dairy-free variations work by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips. Vegan bakers can substitute coconut oil for butter and use plant-based chocolate.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different nut combinations like almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend. Try adding a dash of bourbon or cinnamon to the caramel for an unexpected flavor twist that'll wow your taste buds.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep these clusters away from humidity and heat. If they start to get sticky, pop them in the refrigerator for a quick firming up. Layer between parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful individual shapes.

Serving Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Made Simple

• Gourmet Gift Charm: Package these delightful clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a stunning homemade present that looks professionally crafted.
• Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or crumble over warm apple pie to add delicious crunch and caramel complexity to your favorite desserts.
• Elegant Party Platter: Arrange clusters on a beautiful wooden board with other nuts, dark chocolate pieces, and fresh berries for an impressive after-dinner treat that will wow guests.
• Coffee Pairing Delight: Place these clusters next to espresso or cappuccino for a sophisticated sweet accompaniment that enhances the rich coffee flavors with nutty caramel notes.

How To Store Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Properly

• Fridge-Fresh Storage Strategy: Keep clusters in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigeration maintains optimal texture and extends freshness up to 10 days.
• Freezer Preservation Trick: Wrap each cluster individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats can last up to 2 months without losing quality or flavor intensity.
• Room Temperature Care: When serving at gatherings, leave clusters out for 2-3 hours maximum. Warmer environments might soften caramel, so keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare clusters 48 hours before your event. This technique allows flavors to meld beautifully and reduces last-minute kitchen stress. Simply store in cool, dry location until serving time.

Indulgent Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Irresistible sea salted praline pecan clusters combine rich caramel with nutty pecans for a delightful Southern-inspired treat. Crunchy, sweet, and perfectly balanced, these clusters offer a luxurious snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (200 g) pecan halves, toasted
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional, for coating)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Pecans: Distribute pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 7-10 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely on the baking sheet.
2. Crafting Praline Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches 240F (115C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and sea salt, creating a glossy caramel sauce.
3. Forming Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Arrange 4-5 toasted pecans in compact groups. Drizzle warm praline caramel generously over each cluster, ensuring thorough coating.
4. Chocolate Embellishment: Melt chocolate chips in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to achieve a smooth consistency. Drizzle or dip cluster bottoms in melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
5. Finishing Touch: While caramel or chocolate is warm, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cluster to enhance the flavor profile. Allow clusters to cool and solidify at room temperature or expedite in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

• Roast Pecans Carefully: Toast nuts slowly and evenly to prevent burning, watching for that rich nutty aroma as a sign of perfect doneness.
• Monitor Caramel Temperature: Use a candy thermometer precisely to reach soft-ball stage, preventing crystallization or burnt sugar that can ruin the texture.
• Control Chocolate Melting: Microwave chocolate in short 15-second bursts, stirring between intervals to maintain smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
• Salt Strategically: Sprinkle sea salt while caramel and chocolate are still warm to ensure better flavor absorption and attractive presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg