Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Graham Cracker Praline recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. These delightful pralines combine the buttery crunch of graham crackers with the rich sweetness of pecans and a touch of caramel, creating a truly irresistible confection. Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Add wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and a slightly sticky dough forms. Don't overmix; just until moistened.
Shape the pralines: Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each praline. For perfectly round pralines, use a spoon or a small cookie scoop.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the pralines are set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool and enjoy: Let the pralines cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. Once cooled, they'll firm up nicely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Graham Cracker Pralines:
- Toast your pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture. Just be careful not to burn them!
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your pralines will be significantly enhanced by using good quality graham crackers, pecans, and butter.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry and hard pralines. Start checking them at the 10-minute mark.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pralines: Add 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mixture for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Spiced Pralines: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the mixture for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Peanut Butter Pralines: Substitute chopped peanuts for the pecans and add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the mixture.
Nutritional Information (per praline, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used and portion size. A good estimate is around 150-200 calories per praline. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This simple Graham Cracker Praline recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. It's a delightful treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy the deliciousness!