These quick and easy Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, made effortlessly in the microwave! With premium pecan halves coated in a rich caramelized mixture of butter, sugars, and cream, this recipe delivers a decadent treat in minutes. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, these praline pecan clusters are irresistible. The hardest part? Waiting for them to set before indulging!
Why You’ll Love These Praline Pecan Clusters
Pralines are a Southern classic, beloved for their buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans. Traditionally made by boiling sugar and butter on the stovetop, this simplified microwave version captures all the flavor with less fuss. Perfect for holidays or anytime you need a quick treat, these praline pecan clusters are enhanced with a touch of sea salt, giving them the ultimate sweet-and-salty appeal.
Ingredients for Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters
- Pecans: Use premium pecan halves for the best flavor and texture.
- Sugars: A mix of granulated sugar and light brown sugar creates a rich caramel flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the caramelized coating.
- Butter: Provides the smooth, luscious base for the candy.
- Vanilla Extract: Stirred in at the end for a warm, aromatic finish.
- Sea Salt: Coarse sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Quick Steps for Perfect Praline Pecan Clusters
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a sheet pan with wax paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix Ingredients: In a deep, microwave-safe bowl, combine pecan halves, sugars, butter, cream, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Microwave and Stir: Cook on high for 6 ½ minutes, stirring halfway through. If the caramel isn’t thickened, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals.
- Add Vanilla: Let the mixture cool briefly, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Form Clusters: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle with sea salt immediately.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow clusters to set at room temperature before serving or storing.
Tips for the Best Praline Pecan Clusters
- Bowl Choice: Use a deep microwave-safe bowl to prevent boil-overs.
- Microwave Wattage: The recipe is tailored for a 1000-watt microwave. Adjust cooking times as needed for other wattages.
- Cluster Sizes: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform sizes or two spoons for larger clusters.
- Don’t Double Up: For consistent results, make multiple batches instead of doubling the recipe.
- Storage: Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
FAQs About Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters
1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes! While pecans are traditional for pralines, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or cashews. However, the texture and flavor will differ slightly depending on the nut you choose.
2. What if my microwave has a different wattage?
If your microwave is less powerful (e.g., 800 watts), you’ll need to cook the mixture longer, checking in 1-minute increments after the initial cooking time. For higher wattage microwaves, reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor closely to avoid burning.
3. Can I make these clusters without the sea salt?
Absolutely! The sea salt is optional and enhances the sweet-and-salty flavor profile. If you prefer a purely sweet treat, simply skip the sprinkling of sea salt at the end.
4. How long does it take for the clusters to set?
The praline clusters typically take about 30-60 minutes to fully cool and harden at room temperature. If you’re in a rush, you can place them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
5. Can I store these for longer than a week?
For best flavor and texture, enjoy them within a week. If you need to store them longer, place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
The Perfect Anytime Treat
Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing a holiday sweets tray, or satisfying a quick sugar craving, these Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters are a breeze to make and impossible to resist. With a touch of sea salt enhancing the buttery caramel and crunchy pecans, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or rum extract
Instructions
- Line a large sheet pan with wax paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray or softened butter. Set aside.
- Combine pecan halves, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, and sea salt in a deep, medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Reserve the vanilla extract for later. Ensure the bowl is deep enough to prevent overflow during boiling.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 6 1/2 minutes, stopping at the 3-minute mark to stir. Be cautious, as the mixture will be boiling.
- After 6 1/2 minutes, stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring all pecans are evenly coated. The caramel should thicken and cling to the sides of the bowl. If it remains runny, microwave in 1-minute increments until thickened.
- Let the mixture rest on the counter for 10–15 seconds, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Using a small cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop clusters onto the prepared wax paper or silicone baking mat.
- Sprinkle the tops with additional sea salt, if desired, and allow the clusters to cool to room temperature and set.
Notes
- Microwave Power: Adjust cooking times slightly if your microwave’s wattage is higher or lower than average to prevent overcooking or undercooking the caramel.
- Mixing: Stir the mixture thoroughly at each step to ensure even cooking and coating of the pecans.
- Caramel Consistency: If the caramel remains runny after the initial cooking, continue microwaving in short intervals, stirring each time, until thickened.
- Vanilla/Rum Extract: Adding the extract at the end prevents it from evaporating during cooking, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Storage: Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
