07/12/2024
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.
• In a deep, microwave-safe bowl, combine pecan halves, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, and sea salt. 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 thoroughly to coat all pecans evenly. 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 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 if your microwave’s wattage is higher or lower than average to prevent overcooking or undercooking the caramel.
Mixing: Stir thoroughly at each step for even cooking and coating of the pecans.
Caramel Consistency: If the caramel remains runny after the initial cooking, continue microwaving in short intervals until thickened.
Vanilla/Rum Extract: Adding the extract at the end preserves its flavor.
Storage: Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 7 mins | Total Time: 17 mins | Kcal: ~200 per cluster | Servings: 12 clusters