Effortless No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Recipe for Sweet Joy
Indulgent desserts sometimes arrive in the most unexpected no-bake coconut pecan praline forms.
Sweet tooths rejoice at this delectable treat that requires zero oven time.
Layers of rich caramel and nutty pecans create a luxurious experience.
Creamy coconut adds a tropical twist to this classic confection.
Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.
The simplicity of preparation belies the sophisticated taste profile.
Let’s find out this decadent dessert that delivers maximum pleasure with minimal effort.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 218 kcal
Servings: 21
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Ingredients
For Sweeteners and Binding Agents:
Corn Syrup: Provides smooth texture and prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring a glossy finish.
Granulated Sugar: Creates the classic praline sweetness and helps form the caramel base.
Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a creamy, luxurious consistency.
For Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
Vanilla Extract: Brings deep, warm undertones that complement the nutty and sweet profile.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect praline texture without making it too runny.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor complexity.
For Texture and Crunch:
Toasted Pecans: Delivers a robust, nutty crunch and brings a smoky depth to the praline.
Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical sweetness and provides additional textural interest with its delicate flakes.
Tools for Mixing Coconut Pecan Praline
Skillet: Large, flat-bottomed pan for toasting pecans over medium heat.
Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for melting butter and combining sugar mixture.
Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients smoothly and preventing burning.
Baking Sheet: Flat metal tray for cooling and shaping praline clusters.
Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy removal of praline treats.
Measuring Cups: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
Measuring Spoons: Small utensils for measuring vanilla extract and salt.
How to Make Coconut Pecan Pralines Without Baking
Pecan Toasting The secret to incredible flavor starts with gently warming pecans in a skillet until they release their nutty aroma and turn a warm golden shade. Stir them lovingly to prevent burning.
Sweet Caramel Base Create a luxurious foundation by melting butter and blending it with sugar, creating a rich and smooth mixture that will transform into a dreamy caramel. Watch for gentle bubbles that signal your creation is coming together perfectly.
Flavor Fusion Remove the mixture from heat and introduce shredded coconut and toasted pecans. Stir everything together until each ingredient is deliciously coated and intertwined with the caramel.
Cooling and Setting Spread small clusters onto a lined surface, allowing them to rest and solidify. The pralines will transform from a liquid dream into delectable bite-sized treasures that melt in your mouth.
Serving Moment Gently lift each praline from its resting place, ready to share these sweet morsels with friends and family who will marvel at your culinary magic.
Tips for Sweet and Crunchy No-Bake Treats
Enhance the nutty flavor by carefully toasting pecans and coconut before mixing. This simple step deepens the overall taste profile and adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Pralines can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
Experiment with different nuts like almonds or macadamias for a unique twist. Swap out regular milk for coconut milk to amplify the tropical coconut essence in the recipe.
Watch the sugar mixture carefully while cooking to prevent burning. Use a candy thermometer if you want precise results, aiming for the soft-ball stage around 235-240°F for perfect praline consistency.
For a smoother finish, chop pecans more finely. Want extra crunch? Leave some pieces larger to provide varied texture in each delightful cluster of sweet goodness.
How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines
Praline Party Platter: Create an elegant dessert board with these coconut pecan pralines arranged beautifully alongside fresh berries, dark chocolate shavings, and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious presentation.
Sweet Morning Companion: Pair these pralines with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea during breakfast, offering a delightful morning treat that adds a touch of indulgence to your daily routine.
Gifting Delights: Package these pralines in small decorative boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or holiday celebrations.
Dessert Topping Magic: Crumble these pralines over vanilla pudding, cheesecake, or yogurt parfaits to add a delicious crunch and nutty caramel flavor that elevates simple desserts into something extraordinary.
Storing Your No-Bake Praline Creations
Quick Batch Preparation: Whip up a double or triple recipe during your weekend cooking session to have delicious snacks ready throughout the week. These no-bake treats store wonderfully, giving you instant dessert options anytime.
Refrigeration Strategy: Carefully stack pralines between parchment paper layers inside an airtight container. Sealed properly, they'll maintain their delightful texture and taste for up to 7 days in the refrigerator's cool environment.
Freezing Technique: Want longer storage? Wrap individual pralines in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen pralines stay delectable for approximately 3 months, offering a sweet emergency dessert option whenever cravings strike.
Room Temperature Tips: Keep pralines in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. When stored at consistent room temperature between 60-70°F, these nutty clusters remain crisp and delightful for 3-4 days without compromising their incredible taste and texture.
Delightful no-bake coconut pecan praline creates a Southern-inspired dessert with rich, creamy layers of caramel and nutty crunch. Pecans and coconut blend seamlessly, offering sweet indulgence that will transport you to classic Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups pecans (toasted, chopped)
2 cups coconut (shredded)
¼ cup corn syrup
¼ cup butter (unsalted)
¼ cup milk (evaporated)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Toasting Pecans: Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss chopped pecans, stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a separate plate.
Creating Praline Base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Incorporate granulated sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, and salt. Whisk constantly for 6-7 minutes until mixture transforms into a smooth, gently bubbling liquid.
Combining Ingredients: Remove from heat and introduce vanilla extract. Fold in toasted pecans and shredded coconut, ensuring complete and even distribution throughout the mixture.
Forming Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Utilize a spoon or cookie scoop to deposit rounded portions of praline mixture, maintaining approximately 2 inches between each cluster.
Setting and Serving: Allow pralines to cool and solidify at room temperature for 35-40 minutes. Once completely firm, delicately lift each cluster using a thin spatula. Serve immediately or preserve in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
Toasting Technique: Carefully toast pecans over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty flavor without scorching.
Smooth Syrup Secret: Maintain consistent stirring while heating sugar mixture to prevent crystallization and ensure a silky, glossy praline texture.
Cooling Caution: Let pralines set at room temperature for optimal texture; avoid refrigerating, which can make them too hard and lose their creamy consistency.
Storage Tip: Keep pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.