Welcome to this No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Recipe! this super simple dessert assembles in minutes with toasted pecans, shredded coconut and a buttery caramel base. These little treats can be great at holiday parties, as gifts or to cure any sweet tooth, whenever. You won’t even need an oven to make these scrumptious pralines!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
The rich, caramel-like praline mixture is based on butter. Unsalted butter gives you control over how salty it is.
1/2 cup corn syrup
This will help ensure that the sugar doesn’t recrystallize, with the end result being a smooth and creamy piece of candy when you are finished.
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Evaporated milk provides a creamy texture without excess moisture, ensuring that your pralines are chewy just right.
2 cups granulated sugar
Sugar is needed to caramelize and also to create the sweet, fudgy base in these pralines.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
An element of vanilla gives the pralines an overall warm taste.
1/4 teaspoon salt
A touch of salt tempers the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness of the pecans.
2 cups shredded coconut
Coconut lends a chewy, tropical twist that goes well with the buttery caramel and pecans. You can even toast it slightly for more flavor.
2 cups chopped, toasted pecans
When you toast the pecans, it releases their oils and develops their nutty flavor, which makes them the perfect partner for the praline mixture.

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Instructions:

Step 1: Toast the Pecans and Coconut

Toast the pecans: In a clean skillet, over medium heat, toast all the pecans. Stir in the chopped pecans and toast them, stirring often, about 5 minutes or until fragrant and light golden. Remove from heat and set to the side.

Dried Coconut Flakes: Be sure you have your dried coconut flakes ready. You can toast it lightly in a separate skillet if you want extra flavor, but it’s up to you.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

In a medium-size pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.

Add the granulated sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk and salt, and stir in. Keep cooking, stirring continuously, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble gently (5 to 7 minutes).

Once bubbling, remove saucepan from heat.

Step 3: Add the vanilla, pecans, and coconut

Fold in the vanilla extract, the toasted pecans and the shredded coconut until evenly incorporated. It should be thick and sticky mixture.

Step 4: Form the Pralines

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper.

Spoon mounds or clusters of the mixture onto the prepared sheet. Act quickly, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.

Cool the pralines at room temperature for 30 minutes or until fully set and barely warm to the touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, carefully peel away the parchment paper from the pralines.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Yield: Makes 3 dozen pralinesServing: These are great for a sweet snack, dessert or edible gift. You can eat them as is, or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage: Leftover pralines can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to 2 weeks.

Helpful Notes:

Toasting the Pecans: Toaster pecans deepen the flavor of the nuts, but they burn easily. Stir continuously and take off heat as soon as they smell fragrant.
Corn Syrup Substitution: Use maple syrup or honey instead of corn syrup for a slightly different flavor.
Consistency: Wait a minute or two between spooning your mixture onto the parchment paper if it seems sandy. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of evaporated milk to loosen it up.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

Chef Paula Deen: “With pralines, patience is everything. Stir the mixture gently, and in a mechanized manner, so as not to burn the sugar.”

Chef Alton Brown: “A thermometer is your friend when it comes to getting the right consistency. For pralines, target 240°F (115°C) to get the right texture.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

A1: Yes, but be mindful that sweetened coconut makes the items sweeter. If using sweetened coconut, you might want to decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe a bit.

Q2: Is it possible to replace the pecans with other nuts?

A2: Absolutely! For a different flavor and texture, you can use walnuts, almonds or even macadamia nuts instead of pecans.

Q3: How can I avoid the pralines from getting grainy?

A3: Remove from the heat only when the sugar has completely dissolved into the butter mixture. Stir constantly to avoid clumps in the caramel.

Q4: Is there a way for me to make these pralines dairy free!

A4: Yes, replace the butter with plant-based butter and the evaporated milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Q5: How do I store pralines after they’re made?

A5: Yes! You can freeze the pralines in a container with a tight seal for 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

Q6: How do I make these pralines softer or chewier?

A6: If you want them softer, cook for a little shorter time. If you like them firmer, cook the mixture a minute or two longer.

Q7: Do any chocolate go into these pralines?

A7: You could add a chocolatey element by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled pralines, or folding in chocolate chips just before spooning the mixture onto the parchment paper.

Q8: How will I know when the mixture is ready to spoon on to the sheet?

A8: The mixture is done when it becomes thick and holds its shape when stirred. If it over-spreads on the parchment paper let it cool for a few minutes before continuing.

Q9: How can I clean the pot used to make pralines?

A9: For cleaning your pot, soak it in hot water for a few minutes to loosen any hardened sugar and gently scrub.

Q10: Can you make mini pralines?

A10: Yes, you can use a teaspoon to drop smaller mounds of the mixture onto the parchment paper to make bite-sized pralines.

This is a no-bake coconut pecan praline recipe, which is a delicious treat blending toasted pecans and coconut with a buttery and caramel-like base. These homemade pralines will soon be a household favorite and perfect for every occasion!