Coconut Pecan Praline Bites
Coconut Pecan Praline Bites are a deliciously rich and crunchy snack combining caramelized pecans with chewy shredded coconut. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and tropical flavors with a satisfying texture, ideal for quick indulgence, parties, or homemade gifts.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Toast the Pecans and Coconut: Start by gently toasting the chopped pecans and shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 3-5 minutes. This step intensifies their natural flavors while adding a delightful crunch.
- Prepare the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a thick, bubbly consistency—typically about 5-7 minutes—forming a rich caramel base.
- Add Flavor: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the toasted pecans and coconut into the praline sauce until every piece is evenly coated, creating a luscious blend of crunchy and chewy textures.
- Shape the Bites: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray. Let them cool and set for at least an hour, allowing the bites to harden into perfectly shaped pralines.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once firm, transfer Coconut Pecan Praline Bites to a serving platter and prepare to savor every irresistible piece.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch in your praline bites.
- Don’t skip toasting the coconut and pecans; it unlocks deep, rich flavors.
- Stir constantly when cooking the praline sauce to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramel consistency.
- Use a candy thermometer and target around 235°F for the ideal soft-ball stage in your praline mixture.
- Allow the bites to cool completely at room temperature for the best texture before serving.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar as garnishes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use plant-based cream.
- Consider variations such as chocolate drizzle, maple syrup swap, nut-free seeds, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: coconut pecan praline bites, nutty snacks, caramelized pecans, chewy coconut treats, gluten free snacks, bite-sized desserts