No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline

This No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline recipe is a quick and simple dessert that combines the rich flavors of toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and a buttery caramel base. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year. With no oven required, you can whip up these delicious pralines in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  Butter is the base for the rich caramel-like praline mixture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the level of saltiness.
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
  This helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in your pralines.
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  Evaporated milk lends a creamy texture without adding excess moisture, keeping your pralines perfectly chewy.
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  Sugar is essential for caramelizing and creating the sweet, fudgy base of these pralines.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor of the pralines.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  A little bit of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the nuttiness of the pecans.
• 2 cups shredded coconut
  Coconut adds a chewy, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the buttery caramel and pecans. Feel free to lightly toast it for extra flavor!
• 2 cups toasted pecans, chopped
  Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and deepens their nutty flavor, making them the perfect complement to the praline mixture.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pecans and Coconut

• Toast the Pecans: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast them, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Shredded Coconut: Make sure your shredded coconut is ready to use. You can lightly toast it in a separate skillet if you want extra flavor, but it’s optional.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

• In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Stir in the granulated sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, and salt. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble gently (5-7 minutes).
• Once it reaches a bubbling state, remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla, Pecans, and Coconut

• Stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.

Step 4: Form the Pralines

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared sheet, forming mounds or clusters. Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to firm up as it cools.
• Let the pralines cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they are fully set and firm to the touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the pralines are set, gently remove them from the parchment paper and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serving: These pralines are perfect as a sweet snack, dessert, or edible gift. Enjoy them on their own or alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
• Storage: Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Helpful Notes:

• Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor, but be careful not to burn them. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant.
• Corn Syrup Substitute: If you prefer, you can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Consistency: If your mixture is too thin, let it sit for a minute or two before spooning onto the parchment paper. If it’s too thick, add a splash of evaporated milk to loosen it up.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

• Chef Paula Deen: “When making pralines, patience is key. Stir the mixture slowly and evenly to avoid scorching the sugar.”
• Chef Alton Brown: “Using a thermometer is helpful for achieving the perfect consistency. For pralines, aim for a temperature of about 240°F (115°C) for the right texture.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
A1: Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened coconut will make the pralines sweeter. You may want to slightly reduce the sugar in the recipe if using sweetened coconut.

Q2: Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
A2: Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts in place of pecans for a different flavor and texture.

Q3: How do I prevent the pralines from becoming grainy?
A3: Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved in the butter mixture before removing it from the heat. Stirring constantly helps ensure a smooth caramel texture.

Q4: Can I make these pralines dairy-free?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free version.

Q5: Can I freeze the pralines?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the pralines in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q6: How can I make these pralines softer or chewier?
A6: To make them softer, reduce the cooking time slightly. If you prefer them firmer, cook the mixture for an additional minute or two.

Q7: Can I add chocolate to these pralines?
A7: For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pralines or mix in chocolate chips just before spooning the mixture onto the parchment paper.

Q8: How do I know when the mixture is ready to spoon onto the sheet?
A8: The mixture is ready when it thickens and holds its shape when stirred. If it spreads too much on the parchment paper, let it cool slightly before continuing.

Q9: What is the best way to clean the pot after making pralines?
A9: To clean your pot, soak it in hot water for about 10 minutes to loosen any hardened sugar, then scrub gently.

Q10: Can I make mini pralines?
A10: Yes, use a teaspoon to drop smaller portions of the mixture onto the parchment paper for bite-sized pralines.

This No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of toasted pecans and coconut with a buttery, caramel-like base. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make pralines are sure to become a favorite in your household!