Description
Sweet, buttery, and nutty—this easy pecan praline sauce is the perfect finishing touch for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even cheesecake!
A decadent Southern treat that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. (3 minutes)
Stir in brown sugar and cook until it dissolves and begins to bubble gently. (4 minutes)
Slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. (2 minutes)
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. (2 minutes)
Let the sauce cool slightly before drizzling over your favorite desserts. (5 minutes resting)
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 9 minutes | Total Time: 14 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
#PecanPraline #SouthernDesserts #SweetSauce #EasyDessertTopping
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect sauce every time. First, gather all ingredients and measure them precisely. Using a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted and just beginning to foam, add the packed light brown sugar. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula for about 4 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved into the butter and the mixture is bubbling gently. Do not rush this step—ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved prevents graininess.
Next, very slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble vigorously; keep stirring until it is completely smooth and unified, which should take about 2 minutes. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, the chopped pecans, and a generous pinch of salt. Allow the sauce to cool and thicken in the pan for at least 5 minutes before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile sauce elevates countless dishes. Drizzle it warm over vanilla ice cream, waffles, or French toast. It makes an exceptional topping for pound cake, bread pudding, or cheesecake. For a festive brunch, spoon it over baked brie or stir a tablespoon into your morning oatmeal. You can also let it cool completely to a spreadable consistency for filling between cake layers or sandwiching cookies.
How-to Summary
Melt butter, dissolve brown sugar, slowly add cream while stirring, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, pecans, and salt. Cool slightly before using. The entire process takes under 15 minutes for a rich, buttery, nutty sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. Let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen it.
Can I use a different nut? Yes, walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts—you’ll still have a delicious caramel sauce.
Why did my sauce turn out grainy? Graininess is usually caused by undissolved sugar. Ensure you cook the butter and sugar mixture long enough, stirring constantly, until no sugar granules are visible before adding the cream.
My sauce separated. How can I fix it? Separation can happen if the heat is too high. Remove it from the heat and vigorously whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of warm cream or water until it emulsifies back together.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients. Use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume and expect a slightly longer cooking time for the sugar to dissolve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using high heat: This can cause the sugar to burn or the sauce to separate. Maintain a steady medium heat.
- Adding cream too quickly: Pour the cream in a slow, steady stream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Skipping the salt: The pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Not letting it cool: The sauce is very thin and runny when first made. Allowing it to rest for 5 minutes lets it thicken to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Conclusion
This effortless pecan praline sauce is a game-changer for home bakers and dessert lovers. With its short ingredient list and quick cooking time, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Mastering this recipe provides you with a secret weapon to instantly upgrade everything from simple breakfasts to elegant desserts. Its rich, buttery, and nutty character is sure to become a requested staple in your kitchen repertoire.