Decadent Praline Crunch

Imagine a dessert that tantalizes your taste buds with a delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and slightly salty flavors—all wrapped up in a beautiful, golden-brown package. This is the essence of decadence embodied in praline crunch. With its rich layers of flavor and texture, praline crunch is not just a treat for the palate; it’s an experience that elevates any occasion, from festive celebrations to casual gatherings.

Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of Decadent Praline Crunch, a delightful dessert that marries sweet, crunchy, and slightly salty elements. This easy-to-make recipe features a harmonious blend of toasted pecans and almonds coated in silky caramel and finished with a touch of chocolate and sea salt. Ideal for gatherings or festive occasions, this treat is not just a dessert but an experience that will impress friends and family alike. Discover how to make this deliciously irresistible confection now!

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Ingredients

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup almonds, sliced

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

Cooking spray or parchment paper (for lining the baking dish)

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Toast the Nuts: Spread the chopped pecans and sliced almonds on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Make the Praline Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Add Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. If you like a bit of heat, add the cayenne pepper for a spicy twist! Mix well.

Combine with Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted nuts with the praline mixture, ensuring that all nuts are evenly coated.

Spread in Pan: Pour the nut mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down gently to form an even layer.

Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.

Melt Chocolate: While the praline base is cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.

Drizzle: Once the praline mixture has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a finer touch.

Chill and Set: Place the praline crunch in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is set and firm.

Cut and Serve: Once fully chilled and hardened, lift the praline crunch out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars, serve, and enjoy your decadent treat!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12 servings