Crunchy Pecan Praline Bites
Elevate your holiday treats with these delightful Crunchy Pecan Praline Bites! Inspired by Paula Deen's famous recipe, these morsels feature whole pecan halves coated in a rich, caramelized brown sugar mixture that hardens into a delightful candy-like glaze. Perfect for holiday cookie trays or as a sweet gift for friends and family, these bites are a heavenly blend of nuts and sweetness that will have everyone coming back for more. Simple to prepare, they make for the ideal treat to share during the festive season!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole pecan halves
2 cups (uncooked)
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
heavy cream
4 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole pecan halves, packed light brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir well until all the pecans are thoroughly coated.
3
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
Spread the pecan mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pecans are in a single layer.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coating is dry and slightly crystallized.
6
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring the pecans to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
If not serving immediately, store the cooled praline pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Pecan Praline Bites?
Crunchy Pecan Praline Bites are whole pecan halves coated in a rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze that hardens into a delightful candy-like shell.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of whole pecan halves, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pecans.
How long do the pecan bites need to bake?
They should bake for about 20 minutes in a preheated oven.
Should I stir the pecans while they are in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the mixture halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.
How do I prevent the pecans from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and generously spray it with cooking spray.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
While the recipe calls for light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
What type of cream is needed for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using heavy cream for the best results.
How should I prepare the pecans before mixing?
Use 2 cups of whole pecan halves in their uncooked state.
How do I know when the pecans are finished baking?
The pecans are done when the sugar coating is dry and appears slightly crystallized.
What is the best way to cool the praline bites?
After a few minutes of cooling on the pan, transfer the pecans to a wire rack to cool completely.
How should I store these treats to keep them crunchy?
Store the cooled praline pecans in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunch.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 2 servings.
Are these suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, these make for a perfect sweet gift for friends and family during the festive season.
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?
While the recipe specifies whole halves, chopped pecans can be used, though the baking time may need to be adjusted.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this is considered an easy recipe with simple preparation steps and only three main ingredients.
Who inspired this pecan praline recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen's famous pecan praline recipe.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Candy or a dessert snack.
Can I add extra flavors like vanilla?
While not in the base recipe, you can experiment with adding a splash of vanilla to the cream mixture.
Do I need to grease the parchment paper?
Yes, the instructions recommend spraying the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent the sugar from sticking.
Can I make these pecans in a single layer?
Yes, spreading them in a single layer on the baking sheet is crucial for even drying and crystallization.
What should I do if the pecans are still sticky after baking?
Ensure they cool completely on a wire rack, as the coating hardens and becomes crunchy as it cools.
Are these pecans gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list (pecans, sugar, cream), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides a richer glaze, but whole milk may work as a substitute, though the texture might be less decadent.
How long do they take to prep?
Preparation is very simple and takes just a few minutes to combine the ingredients.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough baking sheet to keep the pecans in a single layer.
What is the texture of these bites?
They have a crunchy texture with a hardened candy-like glaze.
Is a wire rack necessary for cooling?
A wire rack is recommended because it allows air to circulate around the nuts, helping the glaze harden properly.
Can I use these as a topping for other desserts?
Yes, these bites are excellent when crushed and used as a topping for ice cream or cakes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include holiday treats, candied pecans, candy recipes, and easy desserts.