If you have a sweet tooth and love a little crunch with your desserts, this praline recipe with graham crackers is the perfect treat for you! Combining the rich, buttery caramel flavors of classic pralines with the delightful crispness of graham crackers, this recipe offers a unique twist that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re preparing a festive dessert for friends and family or just craving a sweet snack, these pralines with graham crackers will satisfy your cravings with their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Not only is this recipe simple, but it also requires minimal ingredients and equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the graham crackers add a wonderful texture contrast that elevates the traditional praline experience.
Ready to bring some Southern sweetness into your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delightful praline recipe with graham crackers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This praline recipe stands out because it blends the classic Southern treat with the comforting, familiar flavor of graham crackers. The result is a crunchy, nutty candy that melts in your mouth, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself.
Simple and quick to prepare, it requires only a handful of pantry staples and can be made in under 30 minutes. No need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques, making it a great project for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Plus, the graham crackers add a unique crunch and subtle honey flavor, creating a layered taste sensation that’s both nostalgic and new. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or an everyday treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets crushed)
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional, for mixing pecans and crumbs)
Instructions
- Prepare your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pralines from sticking once cooked.
- Crush the graham crackers: Place graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
- Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the praline mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add butter and salt: Once boiling, add the butter pieces and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a smooth caramel consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Use a candy thermometer if you have one; the mixture should reach about 238°F (soft ball stage).
- Remove from heat and add vanilla: Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract immediately.
- Combine nuts and graham cracker crumbs: Quickly fold in the toasted pecans and graham cracker crumbs until everything is evenly coated and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Form the pralines: Using two spoons, carefully drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping into small rounds. Work quickly before the mixture hardens.
- Cool completely: Allow the pralines to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Once set, gently peel them off the parchment paper.
- Store and enjoy: Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well if you want to keep them longer.
Tips & Variations
For perfectly smooth pralines, avoid stirring the sugar mixture too vigorously once boiling begins to prevent crystallization.
Here are some other ways to customize your pralines:
- Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm spice note.
- Mix in some mini chocolate chips after removing from heat for a chocolatey twist.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer chunkier texture, crush the graham crackers more coarsely or add larger nut pieces.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 praline) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Sugar | 15g |
Protein | 2g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 40mg |
Serving Suggestions
These pralines are wonderfully versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a sweet snack: Enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Ice cream topping: Crumble pralines over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a crunchy, nutty addition.
- Gift idea: Package pralines in decorative boxes or jars for thoughtful homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.
- With fresh fruit: Serve alongside sliced apples or pears to balance the sweetness with fresh flavors.
- In baking: Chop and fold pralines into cookie dough or sprinkle over brownies before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This praline recipe with graham crackers is a delightful way to enjoy a classic Southern treat with a fun, crunchy twist. It’s simple to make, requiring just a few pantry ingredients and basic kitchen tools, yet yields a candy with rich caramel flavor, buttery pecans, and the unmistakable crunch of graham crackers.
Whether you’re a seasoned candy-maker or just looking for a quick sweet fix, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts or spices to make it your own.
For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, explore Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, or refresh your palate with a light and vibrant Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Happy cooking and sweet treating!
📖 Recipe Card: Praline Recipe with Graham Crackers
Description: A delicious praline treat combining the crunch of graham crackers with a rich caramel nut topping. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 12 graham cracker squares
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange graham crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine sugars, heavy cream, and butter; cook over medium heat until mixture reaches 238°F (soft ball stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.
- Immediately spoon praline mixture over graham crackers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool completely before breaking into pieces and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 20g
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