Description
Dive into the sweet and crunchy world of Praline Pecan Treats, an irresistible snack that combines the delightful textures of popcorn and pecans with a rich, caramelized praline glaze. This delectable treat is perfect for a casual snack, a special dessert, or a festive party offering, impressing all with its sweet, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 bags (3.3 oz each) of microwave popcorn
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup butter
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 250ºF (120ºC) to ensure it’s ready for baking the popcorn mixture.
Step 2: Pop the Corn
Pop the popcorn according to the package directions. Ensure it’s well-popped to avoid hard, uncooked kernels in your snack mix.
Step 3: Mix Popcorn and Pecans
In a large bowl, combine the freshly popped popcorn and pecan halves. This mixture will form the base for the praline coating.
Step 4: Prepare the Praline Glaze
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, mix the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. This will cause the mixture to bubble and become frothy, perfect for coating.
Step 5: Coat and Bake
Pour the bubbling praline glaze over the popcorn and pecans mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure an even coat. Spread this mixture out in a rimmed 15×10-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, making sure to stir every 20 minutes to achieve an even caramelization.
Step 6: Cooling
After baking, spread the hot praline-coated popcorn and pecans on wax or parchment paper to cool. This prevents sticking and helps the treats crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, break the pieces apart to serve or store.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe yields approximately 10 servings. Total preparation time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. The treats should last up to a week if stored properly.
- Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the praline coating to soften and become sticky.
- For optimal taste, consume within the first few days.
Conclusion
These Praline Pecan Treats are more than just a snack; they are a delightful indulgence that brings together the contrasting textures and flavors of salty popcorn, crunchy pecans, and sweet praline. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for a party, a sweet snack for movie night, or a giftable delicacy, these treats are sure to impress. Simple to make and universally pleasurable, this recipe is a keeper for anyone who savors homemade sweet treats.
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Praline Pecan Treats
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Dive into the sweet and crunchy world of Praline Pecan Treats, an irresistible snack that combines the delightful textures of popcorn and pecans with a rich, caramelized praline glaze. This delectable treat is perfect for a casual snack, a special dessert, or a festive party offering, impressing all with its sweet, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 bags (3.3 oz each) of microwave popcorn
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup butter
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250ºF (120ºC) to ensure it’s ready for baking the popcorn mixture.
- Step 2: Pop the popcorn according to the package directions. Ensure it’s well-popped to avoid hard, uncooked kernels in your snack mix.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the freshly popped popcorn and pecan halves.
- Step 4: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, mix the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda.
- Step 5: Pour the praline glaze over the popcorn and pecans mixture, toss thoroughly, spread in a baking pan, and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Step 6: Spread the hot praline-coated popcorn and pecans on wax or parchment paper to cool. Break the pieces apart to serve or store.