Coconut Pecan Praline Candy

You can either thank me for this recipe of Coconut Pecan Praline Candy or curse me out! They're so good and so addicting you may eat them all by yourself! Sorry. Not sorry!

Not that long ago, I was given a bag of the most delicious pecans from my friend Nancie McDermott.

I wanted to make something extra special with these delicious pecans, and something quintessentially southern. I settled on making coconut pecan praline candy, and I'm 100% certain they're the best pecan pralines I've ever made or eaten! 

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Jump to:

• The ingredients needed:
• Can I make pecan praline candy without the coconut?
• Can this praline recipe be frozen after it's made?
• What other nuts can be used to make praline candy?
• If I want to double or triple this recipe, is it easy to do?
• Is it best to use salted or unsalted nuts for this candied nut recipe?
• Should the nuts be roasted or toasted before making praline candy?
• Why is salt listed in an ingredient in this praline candy recipe?
• Can these coconut pecan praline candies be coated in melted chocolate?
• The easy instructions:
• Additional homemade candy recipes:
• Printable Recipe Card

The ingredients needed:

• Whole Pecans, shelled
• Flaked Coconut, I used unsweetened
• Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• Half and Half
• Butter
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Salt 

Can I make pecan praline candy without the coconut?

YES! Just carry on with the recipe like coconut wasn't even listed in the ingredient list.

Can this praline recipe be frozen after it's made?

YES!

Wrap the pecan pralines well and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What other nuts can be used to make praline candy?

While pecans are the most traditional nut when it comes to southern pralines, but there are always other nut options to use if you like to march to the beat of your own drummer (as I normally do).

How about using:

• Cashews
• Hazelnuts
• Walnuts
• Macadamia
• Almonds
• Peanuts
• Pignolis (pine nuts)
• Or how about a nut mix? YUUUUMMMMM!

If I want to double or triple this recipe, is it easy to do?

Sure thing! Just make sure if you're doing so that you use an extra large saucepan and bowl to mix all your ingredients.

Also remember that as the candy cools, it hardens. So if you're doubling or tripling this recipe you'll have to work really fast in getting the individual candy pieces placed on the cookie sheets for cooling before it hardens.

I might suggest working with one batch at a time just for this reason. But, you be the judge.

Is it best to use salted or unsalted nuts for this candied nut recipe?

You can use either.

However, if you're using salted nuts, I would suggest not adding the additional pinch of salt called for in this recipe as you don't want the pralines to be overly salty.

Should the nuts be roasted or toasted before making praline candy?

I would never tell you 'no' when it comes to roasting or toasting nuts! However, I did not do that when I made these coconut pecan pralines, nor did I write it into the recipe.

That said, should you choose to do it (as it would help to bring out more of a nutty flavor), spread the nuts out in an even layer on a baking sheet and place in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Or, spread the nuts in an even layer in a large skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, and stir them continually for 4-5 minutes, or until you start to smell them. Once you smell them, you know they're ready.

**Important - Do NOT leave nuts unattended (in the oven or on the stovetop) because they will burn quickly!!

Why is salt listed in an ingredient in this praline candy recipe?

Because salt (even a little pinch) brings out the flavor of all foods. Including sweets.

I implore you not to leave the salt out of this recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

Can these coconut pecan praline candies be coated in melted chocolate?

Are you kidding me?!!

Of course, they can!

Just remember that if and when you're freezing nut pralines with a chocolate coating that the chocolate may haze over slightly (turn grayish in color) which will change the appearance, but not the taste or your candy. Your call.

However, you can always make the coconut pecan pralines, freeze them, and then when you're ready to serve (or gift) them, coat them at chocolate at that point. Just a suggestion.

The easy instructions:

• Assemble the ingredients.
• In a heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cream.
• Increase the heat to medium-high.
• Cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil. 
• Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for approximately 10 minutes.

• Turn off the heat and stir in the salt, coconut, pecans, and vanilla extract.
• Once completely combined, carefully but quickly drop the hot candy mixture, in tablespoons, onto a parchment lined baking sheet which has been sprayed with baking spray or coconut oil.
• Cool completely (or chill in the refrigerator) for at least 30 minutes.
• Serve at room temperature.
• Enjoy!

Additional homemade candy recipes:

Cocoa Krispies Peppermint Bark is one of the easiest chocolate holiday treats you can make. Plus, you can control the intensity of peppermint flavor just by the amount of crushed candies you add on top.

If you're a fan of Payday candy bars, then you'll go NUTS for this fast and easy Copycat Payday Candy Bars recipe. After all, who doesn't love payday?!!

Rich and buttery No-Bake Shortbread Cookie Truffles are crumbled, mixed with cream cheese, rolled into balls, and then dipped in white chocolate, and topped with sprinkles.  They're a no-bake treat that everyone will love.

Printable Recipe Card

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's homemade candy recipe for coconut pecan pralines as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!