Growing up in a small southern town, I can still recall the scent of rich caramel wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen as she prepared her famous pralines. Every holiday, she would gather us around the table, teaching us how to make these sweet, nutty treats. Today, I’m excited to share a modern twist on that cherished tradition with my Caramel Pecan Praline Delight. This recipe combines classic praline flavors with a touch of sea salt and dark chocolate for an irresistible treat that will surely evoke nostalgia while delighting your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Begin by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your pralines don’t stick once they’re set.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you want to prevent burning.

Once boiling, continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes without stirring. You’re looking for a soft ball stage, which means the mixture should reach a temperature of around 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water; it should form a soft ball when ready.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Mix until everything is well combined.

Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mounds of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You should aim for about 1-2 tablespoons per mound. Allow them to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

While the pralines are cooling, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.

Once the pralines have set, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over each praline. This adds a delightful richness and a beautiful touch to your treats. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or place the pralines in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.

Serve your Caramel Pecan Praline Delights on a beautiful platter and watch as they disappear! Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and decadent dark chocolate—a modern twist on a beloved classic that is sure to create lasting memories around your own family table.

Enjoy this delightful treat and the sweet moments it brings!