When it comes to the holidays, I always love to give out homemade treats as presents. They show that I put in some effort, and they’re always appreciated by the recipients. This year, I’m going to make a batch of microwave pecan pralines. They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re always a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re the perfect sweet treat for Christmas!
Ingredients Overview
Brown sugar
The recipe calls for brown sugar because it adds a depth of flavor that white sugar can’t achieve. Brown sugar also helps to caramelize the pecans, which gives the pralines their signature taste.
Whipping cream
Whipping cream is a type of cream that has been whipped to create a stable foam. It’s used in many different recipes, including this one for microwave pecan pralines. Whipping cream adds richness and depth of flavor to the pralines.
Butter
Since pecan pralines contain sugar and whipping cream, they are prone to burning. Adding butter helps to prevent this from happening, and it also gives the pralines a more caramelized flavor.
Pecan pieces
Pecan pralines wouldn’t be complete without pecan pieces. The pecans add a delicious nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the soft and chewy pralines. Plus, they make the pralines look pretty too! I always like to use chopped pecans in my pralines, but you can also use whole or crushed pecans if you prefer.
Salt
A touch of salt is added to the pralines to help balance out the sweetness. You can use any type of salt that you have on hand, but I prefer to use kosher or sea salt.
Substitutions
If you want to enjoy pecan pralines without worrying about your waistline, there are some easy substitutions you can make. For example, you can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Coconut sugar is lower in calories and has a lower glycemic index than brown sugar, so it is a healthier option.
You can also use coconut milk instead of whipping cream. Coconut milk is lower in fat and calories than whipping cream, and it has a delicious coconut flavor that goes well with the pecans in the pralines.
And if you want to make the free nut version of this recipe, you can use rice crispy cereal instead of pecans.
Recipe
Yield: 8 servings
- 16-ounce brown sugar
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 cups pecan pieces
- 1/2 tablespoon of salt
Instructions
- Line a large baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the brown sugar and whipping cream.
- Microwave the mixture on high for seven minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the butter.
- Microwave the mixture on high for another 5 minutes.
- Add the pecan pieces and salt, and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Use a spoon to drop the mixture onto the prepared baking dish, and let it cool completely.
The Benefits of Eating Pecan Pralines
Did you know that pecan pralines are also packed with nutritional benefits? Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider adding pecan pralines to your diet:
Protein Powerhouse
Pecans are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for cellular health and building muscle tissue. One ounce of pecans contains about 2.6 grams of protein, making them a great snack for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
Good Fat = Good Health
Despite their reputation, not all fats are bad for you. In fact, some fats – like the monounsaturated fat found in pecans – can actually help reduce your risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated fats help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while maintaining HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which can help keep your heart healthy.
Vitamin E powerhouse
Pecans are also a good source of vitamin E, an important nutrient that acts as an antioxidant in the body. Vitamin E helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Just one ounce of pecans provides about 25% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin E.
Storage instructions
If you make ahead pecan pralines for the holidays, here’s how to store them so they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
First, let them cool completely. This is important! If you try to wrap them up while they’re still warm, the condensation will make them stick together and they’ll be a big sticky mess. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each praline individually in plastic wrap then store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Pecan pralines will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks stored this way. If you want them to last even longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just unwrap them and let them come to room temperature before enjoying them.
Conclusion
This easy microwave pecan praline recipe is perfect for the holidays! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also quick and easy to make. You can substitute different types of sugar or milk if you want, so they’re versatile too. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – your friends and family will love them!
