Sweet & Salty Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe

Crafting irresistible sea salted praline pecan clusters that melt in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness.

Sweet caramelized sugar coats each nutty morsel, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

These delectable treats promise a perfect balance between crunchy pecans and smooth caramel.

Decadent clusters bring warmth and indulgence to any gathering or quiet moment of personal delight.

Some desserts whisper comfort, but these clusters practically sing with intense, mouth-watering appeal.

Each bite delivers a luxurious combination of salty and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these heavenly confections.

Grab your ingredients and let the magic begin!

Why Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Are a Snack You’ll Crave

• Crunch into Caramel Comfort: These praline pecan clusters deliver an irresistible combination of toasted nutty crunch and silky smooth caramel that melts perfectly in your mouth, creating a luxurious sweet treat with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick Gourmet Magic: Requiring just basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe transforms everyday pecans into elegant dessert clusters that look professionally made, making you feel like a culinary expert without complicated techniques.
• Sea Salt Flavor Explosion: The unexpected pinch of sea salt elevates these clusters from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-salty profile that tantalizes taste buds and keeps people coming back for more.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gifting, potluck desserts, or casual snacking, these clusters appeal to both kids and adults, making them an incredibly adaptable treat that works for multiple occasions and settings.

Everything Needed for Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Pecans: A classic Southern nut with rich, buttery flavor that provides crunch and depth to the clusters.

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Heavy Cream, Corn Syrup: Sweet combination that creates a luxurious, smooth praline coating with deep caramel notes.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, subtle sweetness and rounds out the caramel flavor.
• Sea Salt: Provides a sharp, contrasting flavor that elevates the overall sweetness of the clusters.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds extra richness and creates a decadent layer when melted over the clusters.

• Choose fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and texture.
• Use pure vanilla extract for the most authentic taste.
• Select coarse sea salt for a beautiful garnish and flavor pop.
• Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips work well for coating.

How to Make Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Easily

Step 1: Roast Nutty Goodness

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Spread pecan halves across a baking sheet in a single layer. Let them dance in the warmth for 7-10 minutes until they release their rich, nutty aroma. Once golden and fragrant, pull them out and let them cool down completely.

Step 2: Craft Caramel Magic

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Corn syrup

Keep stirring this luscious mixture as it bubbles and transforms. Watch closely with a candy thermometer until it hits 240F (115C) – the sweet spot of soft-ball stage. Kill the heat and stir in vanilla extract and a sprinkle of sea salt for that extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Create Cluster Masterpieces

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange little pecan families – about 4-5 halves clustered together. Lovingly drizzle the warm caramel over each group, making sure every pecan gets a golden coating.

Step 4: Optional Chocolate Indulgence

Feeling extra decadent? Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy. Either drizzle chocolate over the clusters or dip their bottoms for a chocolatey twist.

Step 5: Finish with Salty Flair

While the caramel or chocolate is still warm and inviting, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cluster. This magical touch brings out the deep, complex flavors.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your praline pecan clusters chill at room temperature or speed things up in the refrigerator. They’ll firm up into perfect, irresistible treats. Store in an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to a week – if they last that long!

Pro Tip: These make incredible gifts or party snacks. Watch people’s eyes light up when you share these homemade delights!

Tips to Perfect Praline Pecan Cluster Texture

• Perfectly Toast Nuts: Spread pecans evenly on baking sheet to ensure uniform toasting and maximum flavor development without burning.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature monitoring, preventing burning or undercooking during praline preparation.
• Strategic Chocolate Drizzling: Melt chocolate in short intervals to maintain smooth texture and prevent seizing, creating elegant coating patterns.
• Smart Storage Technique: Keep clusters in airtight container between parchment layers to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Salt Enhancement Trick: Sprinkle sea salt while caramel is warm for better adhesion and more intense flavor profile.

Store and Reheat Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Right

• Refrigerate: Store Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between clusters to prevent sticking. They'll maintain perfect texture and taste for up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual clusters tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen clusters can last up to 3 months without losing quality or flavor.
• Room Temperature: Keep clusters in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal crispness and caramel consistency.
• Reheating: Gently warm clusters in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if they become slightly hard. Avoid overheating to prevent caramel from burning or pecans from becoming bitter.

Pairing Ideas for Praline Pecan Clusters

• Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair these sweet praline clusters with a strong, dark roast coffee that cuts through the richness. The robust espresso or French roast creates a delightful contrast against the caramel's sweetness, making each bite and sip a perfect flavor dance.
• Sip Complementary Dessert Wines: Match these clusters with a rich port wine or sweet Madeira. These fortified wines bring out the nutty pecan flavors and complement the caramel's deep, golden notes, creating a luxurious after-dinner treat.
• Enhance with Creamy Accompaniments: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt with honey. The cool, smooth textures balance the clusters' crunchy caramelized surface, while creating a delectable dessert experience that tingles every taste bud.
• Pour Smooth Bourbon Pairings: Choose a smooth Kentucky bourbon with caramel undertones. Its warm, slightly smoky profile echoes the praline's richness, elevating the pecan clusters into an indulgent gourmet moment.

New Takes on Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Nutty Maple Magic: Swap brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile that complements the toasted pecans beautifully.
• Spiced Caramel Crunch: Add ground cinnamon, cardamom, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture for a warming, unexpected kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Dark Chocolate Decadence: Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense, slightly bitter contrast against the sweet caramel and buttery pecans.
• Bourbon Caramel Clusters: Incorporate a tablespoon of bourbon into the caramel mixture for a sophisticated adult version that adds depth and complexity to the clusters.

Sea Salted Praline Pecan Cluster FAQs

• Why use sea salt in this recipe?

Sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel, enhancing the overall flavor profile and creating a sophisticated taste experience that balances the richness of the pecans and caramel.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional for praline clusters, you can substitute with almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Just ensure the nuts are similar in size and toasting time to maintain the recipe’s texture and flavor.

• How do I know when the caramel is at the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to check for 240F (115C), which is the soft-ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a syrupy consistency that forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your specific ingredients, especially the chocolate and corn syrup, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent sea salted praline pecan clusters combine rich caramel and crunchy pecans into an irresistible Southern treat. Sweet meets salty in this elegant confection that promises pure pleasure for chocolate and nut enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 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

Sweet and Syrup Components:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon 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. Carefully roast pecan halves in a preheated oven at 350F (175C), spreading them evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 7-10 minutes until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Allow pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet.
2. Create the praline caramel by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup, stirring consistently. Cook the mixture until it reaches the soft-ball stage (240F/115C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and gently fold in vanilla extract and sea salt, creating a glossy, smooth caramel sauce.
3. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Construct small clusters by arranging 4-5 toasted pecan halves in compact groups. Generously drizzle the warm praline caramel over each cluster, ensuring complete and even coating of the nuts.
4. For an optional decadent touch, melt chocolate chips in short microwave intervals, stirring between each interval until achieving a silky consistency. Elegantly drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel-coated clusters or carefully dip cluster bottoms into the chocolate.
5. While the caramel or chocolate remains warm, delicately sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each cluster, enhancing the complex flavor profile with a subtle salty contrast.
6. Allow clusters to cool and solidify completely at room temperature or expedite the process by chilling in the refrigerator. Once firm, transfer to an airtight container, where they will maintain their crisp texture for up to one week.

Notes

• Toasting pecans intensifies their natural nutty flavor and provides a satisfying crunch, creating a more complex taste profile for the clusters.
• Use fresh, high-quality pecans and ensure they are evenly spread during toasting to prevent burning and achieve consistent golden-brown color.
• Control caramel temperature precisely with a candy thermometer to prevent burning or undercooking, which can affect texture and taste.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar for different flavor nuances and dietary preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially corn syrup and chocolate chips.
• Keep clusters stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture and prevent caramel from becoming sticky.
• Create variation by using different nuts like almonds or cashews, offering unique flavor combinations and textural experiences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg