17 Mar 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 cup almonds
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Praline is a delicious, crunchy confection made from caramelized sugar and nuts. Originating from France, it's often used as a topping for desserts or enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps to make your own praline using almonds, sugar, and water.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the praline from sticking.
2. Roast the Almonds:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the almonds are fragrant and slightly darker in color. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once roasted, remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
3. Make the Caramel:
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Stir gently to dissolve the sugar, making sure not to splash any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture while it is boiling to avoid crystallization.
- Allow the mixture to boil and turn a golden amber color. This should take around 10-15 minutes. If necessary, you can gently swirl the pan to ensure even caramelization.
4. Combine Almonds with Caramel:
- Once the caramel reaches a golden amber color, quickly add the roasted almonds to the saucepan.
- Stir quickly but carefully with a heat-resistant spatula to coat the almonds evenly with the caramel.
5. Pour the Mixture:
- Immediately pour the hot praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use the spatula to spread the mixture into an even layer before it hardens. Be very careful as the caramel will be extremely hot.
6. Cool and Break:
- Allow the praline to cool completely at room temperature. It will become hard and brittle as it cools.
- Once fully cooled, break the praline into pieces. You can do this by tapping it gently with the back of a knife or just using your hands.
7. Store:
- Store the praline in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy.
- It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for desserts such as ice cream, cakes, or pastries.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to evenly distribute heat and prevent burning the sugar.
- Stir the mixture gently and not too often to avoid crystallizing the sugar.
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- Once the praline is set, you can break it into pieces or pulse it in a food processor for a finer topping.
With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delightful praline that's perfect for adding a sweet, nutty crunch to your favorite desserts. Homemade praline not only tastes better but also allows you to enjoy a fresh and preservative-free treat.