Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and an appreciation for a perfect balance of salty and sweet, you are going to adore these Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters. This divine treat combines toasted pecans enveloped in a luscious, golden caramel that’s lightly touched with sea salt, creating a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether for a cozy night in or an impressive gift, these clusters deliver rich praline flavor and satisfying texture that feels both indulgent and homemade. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters is easier than you might think, and every ingredient here plays a crucial role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. From the rich butter to the subtle hint of vanilla and the essential sea salt, each element makes these clusters shine.
- 1 cup pecan halves (Toasted): Toasting deepens their natural nuttiness and adds a wonderful crunch.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the sweet foundation that caramelizes into a beautiful golden hue.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds a creamy richness that makes the caramel luscious.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Ensures a smooth texture and tender bite in the praline coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces warm, aromatic notes that heighten the praline flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (Plus extra for sprinkling): A touch of salt perfectly balances the sweetness with a satisfying contrast.
How to Make Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they release a nutty fragrance. This simple step boosts their flavor and adds delightful texture when mixed into the praline.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly, setting the stage for that rich caramel coating.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Caramel
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil without stirring for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye until it turns a gorgeous golden caramel color, signaling the perfect moment to remove it from heat. This timing is key to achieving the right balance of sweetness without burning.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Seasoning
Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and the measured sea salt. Expect some bubbling as those ingredients mingle, releasing aromatic notes and layering in that signature salty contrast that makes these praline pecan clusters truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Coat the Pecans
Pour the toasted pecans into the caramel mixture and gently stir until every piece is thoroughly coated with that shiny, rich praline glaze. This ensures each cluster will be bursting with flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Form the Clusters
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop generous clusters of the pecan mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Leaving space between each cluster will help them set perfectly without sticking together.
Step 7: Sprinkle Sea Salt
While the caramel is still warm and soft, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top of each cluster. This last flourish adds that irresistible salty crunch that elevates these treats from simply sweet to downright addictive.
Step 8: Let Them Cool
Allow your Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters to cool completely at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the caramel time to harden into a satisfying shell encasing the crunchy pecans — and trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

Garnishes
For a gorgeous presentation, sprinkle a few flakes of flaky sea salt on top just before serving, or add a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch that pairs wonderfully with the praline’s buttery notes.
Side Dishes
These clusters shine alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or atop raspberry sorbet for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. You can also serve them with fresh fruit to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters in small, clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for charming homemade gifts. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by nuts and dried fruit for a stunning dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your praline clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will preserve their crunchy texture and deep flavors perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy them even later, you can freeze Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters by placing them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper layers. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to be thawed as needed.
Reheating
These clusters are best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply let frozen clusters sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent the caramel from softening too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts and almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, each bringing their own unique flavor and texture. Just be sure to toast them for maximum flavor before adding to the praline mixture.
Is it necessary to use sea salt specifically?
Sea salt is recommended because of its clean, bright flavor and delicate flakes that provide a nice contrast to sweetness. However, kosher salt or even a fine salt can be substituted if needed.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and watch carefully as the caramel cooks, especially towards the end. Once it reaches that golden color, remove immediately and don’t stir during boiling to avoid crystallization or burning.
Can I make these clusters nut-free?
While pecans are the star here, you could try using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. The texture will differ, but the salted praline flavor can still be delicious.
What is the best way to enjoy these clusters?
Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters are perfect as a snack straight out of the container, paired with coffee or tea, or crumbled over desserts and salads for an extra touch of sweet and salty crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and just the right sprinkle of sea salt in these Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters. They’re deceptively simple to make and absolutely delightful to eat, offering a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist. Give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and prepare for lots of compliments — once you taste these, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
Print
Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 clusters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters featuring toasted pecans coated in rich caramelized sugar, butter, and cream, enhanced with vanilla and generously sprinkled with sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. These clusters are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat ideal for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Toasted Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
Caramel Mixture
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes until they become fragrant. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until fully melted and well combined.
- Boil Caramel: Allow the mixture to boil without stirring for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a golden caramel color, indicating the sugars have caramelized properly.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; the mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
- Coat Pecans: Add the toasted pecans to the caramel mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure each pecan is well coated with the caramel.
- Form Clusters: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the pecan caramel mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between the clusters.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle a small amount of additional sea salt on top of each cluster for an enhanced salty-sweet contrast.
- Cool and Set: Let the clusters cool completely at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until the caramel hardens and sets. Once firm, they are ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure you do not stir the caramel while boiling to prevent crystallization and ensure a smooth texture.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and toast gently to avoid burning.
- Store the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, though this will change the texture slightly.
- Use unsalted butter to precisely control the salt level in the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Candy
- Method: Toasting, Caramelizing, Cooling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: pecan clusters, praline, sea salt, caramel, nuts, snack, dessert, pecan candy