Enjoy these no-bake cranberry pecan praline clusters! Crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and caramel make them perfect for holiday treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience – No need to turn on the oven, making this recipe hassle-free.
- Perfectly Sweet & Nutty – The combination of caramel, pecans, and cranberries creates a balanced blend of flavors.
- Quick to Make – With just a few minutes of prep and a short cooling time, they come together effortlessly.
- Great for Gifting – These praline clusters make for a beautiful homemade gift.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients or add extras to make them your own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Let the mixture boil for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries, ensuring they are fully coated with the caramel mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let the clusters cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until they are set.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 10 clusters
- Calories per cluster: 160 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the clusters for added richness.
- Nut Variations – Swap pecans for almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
- Extra Crunch – Add a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
- Spiced Flavor – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy touch.
- Coconut Addition – Stir in shredded coconut for added texture and sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the praline clusters in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent my caramel from becoming grainy?
Stir continuously and avoid high heat to prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar provides a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
What if my clusters don’t set properly?
Let them cool longer, or place them in the fridge for a firmer texture.
Can I add other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Try raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavors.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter as substitutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients while keeping the cooking method the same.
How do I make them less sweet?
Use unsweetened dried cranberries or reduce the sugar slightly.
Can I make these into bars instead of clusters?
Yes! Spread the mixture in a lined pan, let it set, then cut into bars.
What’s the best way to package them for gifts?
Place them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a festive touch.
Conclusion
These no-bake cranberry pecan praline clusters are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and tart flavors in a simple, fuss-free treat. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a thoughtful homemade gift, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy their delightful crunch and caramel richness with every bite!
Print
Cozy No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Clusters
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 clusters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these no-bake cranberry pecan praline clusters! Crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and caramel make them perfect for holiday treats!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Let the mixture boil for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries, ensuring they are fully coated with the caramel mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let the clusters cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until they are set.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Use toasted pecans for an extra depth of flavor.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the clusters for 15 minutes after cooling.
- Substitute maple syrup for vanilla extract for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
