Hey y’all! If you love classic Southern sweets, you’re in for a real treat. This Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe brings together the buttery crunch of pecans, the rich creaminess of sweetened coconut, and that signature praline flavor—all with zero oven time! They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you just need a little sweet something to brighten your day. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- No oven required—quick and fuss-free preparation!
- Rich, chewy, and loaded with irresistible coconut and pecan flavor.
- Perfect for gifting, parties, or a simple sweet tooth fix.
- Gluten-free and easy to customize for dietary needs.
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients for Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Praline Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil—about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Continue stirring and let the mixture boil for another 5-6 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-ball stage (235°F-240°F on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat immediately.
Step 4: Add Coconut and Pecans
Quickly stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 5: Portion and Cool
Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Let the pralines cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, or until set and firm.
Notes for Perfect Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- Use a candy thermometer for best results—learn more about using a candy thermometer.
- If your mixture is too runny, cook a minute or two longer, but avoid overcooking or your pralines will turn grainy.
- Swap in unsweetened coconut for a less sweet treat.
Variations on Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Maple Pecan Pralines: Replace half the granulated sugar with real maple syrup for robust flavor.
- Almond Joy Style: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips and substitute almonds for pecans.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Candy thermometer (recommended)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Storage Instructions for Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For tips on praline storage, check out this cookie storage guide.
Serving Recommendations for Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- Pair with a strong cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a colorful dessert platter.
- Wrap individually for sweet party favors or holiday gifts.
Pro Tips for Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- Always use fresh pecans for the crunchiest texture—learn about pecan health benefits.
- Let the mixture set completely before removing from the parchment to avoid crumbling.
- For uniform pralines, use a cookie scoop or small ice cream scoop.
FAQ: Easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines Southern Recipe
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
- Absolutely! Just be sure to keep the added salt in the recipe for the right balance.
- Can I freeze these pralines?
- Yes, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- What’s the best way to chop pecans?
- A food processor gives uniform pieces, but hand-chopping works just as well for rustic texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 pralines
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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2In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
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3Boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly.
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4Remove from heat and quickly stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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5Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let pralines cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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