What is the best dessert you have ever had? If you’re a fan of classic Southern pralines, but the idea of fussing with candy thermometers and sprinkling sugar on your fingers is genius, why? If finicky sugar syrup makes you want to run for the hills, then this recipe is for you. Think of it as the praline’s cool, laid-back cousin – the kind who kicks back with a cup of tea and sips it. Can you enjoy the sunshine without breaking a sweat? What is a No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline? Moments when you need a sweet treat, *stat*! Is it the same as the fudge my grandma used to Make, but with a tropical twist from the coconut and banana? What is the crunch of pecans? Is it true that you’ll be hooked from the first bite?
What is no-bake coconut pecan praline?
What is this magical dessert? Can you imagine traditional pralines, those melt-in-your-mouth pecan candies, but without all the fuss? How do you cook sugar to a precise temperature? Is it a condensed milk confection loaded with toasted coconut and crunchy pecans? All bound together with a rich, buttery, almost caramel-like sweetness. Think of it as a cross between fudge, pralines, and coconut macaroon, all rolled into one. What is a no-bake What is the best part about baking? I’m short on time but still craving something decadent. Is it a lifesaver? The coconut adds a wonderful chewy texture and tastiness that really elevates it. What is beyond your average fudge?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons I love this recipe?What are some of the best flavor combinations?The combination of toasted coconut, crunchy pecans, and sweet, creamy condensed milk is just a match made in heaven. What are the best dessert recipes ever? It’s sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, and the pecans offer a delightful nutty counterpoint to the chocolate. What is the sweetness ofWhat is simplicity?If you can stir ingredients in a bowl, you could make this. It requires minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for those who love to cook. What are some last minute dessert cravings Third, it’s surprisinglycost-effective. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available at most grocery stores. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a standalone treat, crumble it over Ice Cream, or even use it as a topping for cupcakes or brownies. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a sweet treat without the stress of baking. If you enjoy easy desserts like a classic seven-layer bar, I promise you’ll adore this No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline! Plus, it always reminds me of my childhood summers spent with my family, which makes it extra special.
How do you make no-bake coconut pecan praline?
Quick Overview
What makes a praline as easy as pie? You’ll basically be melting butter, mixing in the other ingredients, and then letting it all set in a saucepan. What is the hardest part of the whole process? What is the beauty of this recipe? Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily whip this up and impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Praline Base:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: I always use good quality butter. Salted butter can also work; just omit a pinch of salt later in the recipe.
* 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: What is sweetened condensed milk and why?
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always best, but imitation vanilla will also work in a pinch.
* 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
For the Coconut Pecan Delight:
* 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, toasted: Toasted coconut adds a ton of flavor! You can toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown, or bake it. In a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, remove all the paper and place it in the oven. What is the best way to watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly!
* 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted and chopped: Toasted pecs are a must! Toast them alongside the coconut for maximum efficiency. Chopping them adds a great texture.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line the paper with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal? What is the best method to make less mess?
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, Vanilla Extract, and salt into the melted butter until well combined. Add the cheese and stir to combine. Make sure there are no lumps!
Step 4: Add the Coconut and Pecans
Stir in the toasted coconut and chopped pecans until everything is evenly coated in condensed milk. Where does magic happen? Don’t be afraid to get in there and make sure everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Press into Pan
How do I spread the mixture evenly with a spatula or the back of my spoon? Gently press down to compact the mixture.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. I usually chill it for at least 3 hours, or even overnight, for the best results.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once chilled, remove the praline from the pan (lift out with parchment paper if you lined it). Cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What should I serve it with?
Coconut Pecan Praline is incredibly versatile! What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
What is a simple snack?Just grab a square straight from the fridge! What are some of the best afternoon sweets?
As a Dessert:Serve with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream and caramel sauce. So decadent!
With Coffee:The sweetness of the praline pairs perfectly with a cup of strong, black coffee. I love coffee on weekends. It’s a great morning coffee.
What is Crumbled as a Topping?What is the best way to serve it with Ice Cream, yogurt, or oatmeal? Is it good on top of brownies or cupcakes?
My family loves to bring this to holiday gatherings! It’s always a hit, and it is so easy to transport. It’s become a tradition for us, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
How do you make a no-bake coconut pecan praline?
How do I make sure my praline turns out the best? Every time: perfectly every time.
What is the best way to toast coconut and pecans?Is this a must? What are the natural flavors of coconut and pecans? I just can’t get otherwise.
Don’t overcook the butter. It’ Be careful not to brown the butter too much, as this can make the praline greasy. Just melt it until it’s smooth and creamy.
Use Good Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe only has a few ingredients, it’s important to use the best quality you can find. Good butter and pure vanilla extract will make a big difference in the final flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet praline, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly. I wouldn’t go below 12 oz, though, or it might not set properly.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt helps to balance the sweetness of the praline and enhance the other flavors. Don’t skip this step!
Chill Completely: Make sure to chill the praline completely before cutting it. This will help it to firm up and make it easier to slice. I find that refrigerating it overnight gives the best results.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your praline. Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of cinnamon would all be delicious additions.
I’ve also experimented with different types of nuts. While pecans are classic, I’ve also tried walnuts and almonds, and they both work really well! Just make sure to toast them first.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s How to store your No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline to keep it fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the praline at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, it may become a little soft, especially in warmer weather.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This will help it to stay firm and fresh.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the praline for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t actually have a glaze, but if you were to add one (like a drizzle of melted chocolate), I would recommend doing it right before serving for the best presentation.
I usually store mine in the fridge because I love how firm it gets when it’s cold! It’s like a little bite of fudge that melts in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make that anyone can do it. This recipe is truly a winner, especially during the warmer months when you want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven. Plus, the combination of coconut and pecans always brings back those nostalgic memories of Southern summers. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other no-bake desserts for more easy and delicious treats! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and be sure to rate the recipe if you love it! Happy (no) baking!
How to Whip Up No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline in Just 7 Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Shredded Coconut Sweetened
- 1 cup Pecan Halves Chopped
- 0.5 cup Butter Melted
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the coconut and pecan mixture and stir until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the praline to set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
