Praline Pecan Clusters

These Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters are made in the microwave, making them one of the quickest and easiest ways to satisfy a praline sweet craving. Premium pecan halves are cooked with butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a touch of cream, then finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty balance. The hardest part of this easy praline recipe is waiting for the pecan clusters to set before enjoying them. Serve them for gatherings or share with friends, and watch them disappear fast!

Easy Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters Recipe

Pralines are a beloved Southern classic, enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays, though they certainly make an appearance on my sweet trays at Christmas and Mardi Gras.

These Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters are perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Made by boiling sugar and butter with pecans, they’re then spooned into sweet, caramelized, buttery clusters. This microwave version creates a fantastic small batch of homemade praline pecan clusters in just minutes, anytime the craving strikes. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds the perfect contrast, bringing that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor we all love.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters in a 1000 Watt microwave: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Nuts – Pecan halves give these caramel pecan clusters crunch.
• Sugar – A combination of light brown sugar and granulated sugar (white sugar) for sweetness.
• Liquid – Heavy cream combines with the sugar for a caramel flavor.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract for creamy floral notes.
• Salt – Coarse sea salt gives these pralines a sweet and salty flavor.
• Butter – Salted butter or unsalted butter for richness.

How to Make the BEST Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters in the Microwave

• Prep the Sheet Pan – Line a large baking sheet with wax paper and spray lightly with cooking spray. This is for dropping the pecan clusters to cool.
• Combine Ingredients – To a medium bowl add the pecan halves, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream butter and sea salt.
• Microwave – Cook on high for 6 1/2 minutes total, stopping to stir halfway through. (Stir at around 3 minutes.)
• Add Vanilla Extract – Allow the mixture to cool on the counter for 10-15 seconds then mix in vanilla extract.
• Divide the Pecan Praline Mixture – Using a small cookie scoop or two tablespoons drop in clusters onto wax paper lined sheet pan.
• Let Cool – Immediately sprinkle the tops with sea salt and cool to room temperature.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters

• Microwave safe medium bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Heat safe silicone spatula or large spoon for stirring.
• Large baking sheet pan lined with wax paper and a small cookie scoop.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Check the Wattage of Your Microwave – This recipe is designed for a 1000 watt microwave. The cooking time reflects that and should be followed. If your microwave has a lower wattage, you’ll need to cook the sugar mixture longer. Likewise, if the wattage is higher, you’ll cook it for less time.
• Nuts – You could use this same technique with walnuts or cashews.
• Sugar – You could use dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
• Don’t Double – When making homemade candies, it’s not always a good idea to double the amounts for a larger batch. I recommend that you make these praline pecan clusters in multiple batches instead of doubling or tripling the recipe for the best results.
• Prep the Sheet Pan to Prevent Sticking – Prepare the wax paper with a light spritz of cooking spray or brush with softened butter to prevent sticking.
• Bowl – When choosing a bowl, go larger rather than smaller. The bowl should be deep enough to allow the mixture to boil, without boiling over and easy to move in and out of the microwave. Be careful, it’s hot!
• Adjust the Size – You can make these pecan clusters into any size you like. I like to use a small scoop but you can certainly use two tablespoons to drop the pecan mixture. It’s important to allow ample time for the clusters to firm regardless of the size.
• Sea Salt – You can omit the sea salt on top, if preferred. It adds that sweet and salty vibe that makes them so delicious.
• You may also like to try my recipe for Bourbon Praline Pecan Sauce and Praline Pecan Monkey Bread.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Sea Salted Praline Pecan Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezer – You can freeze the pecan praline clusters in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. thaw in the fridge and bring to room temperature for serving.

More Easy Desserts with Pecans to Make

• These Pecan Pie Bars are handheld pecan pie.
• This Pecan Praline Caramel Trifle is a show stopping dessert.
• These delicious Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are impossible to resist.
• Loaded Butterscotch Pecan Cookies never last long in your cookie jar.
• Easy Caramel Pecan Sticky Rolls uses Hawaiian Sweet Rolls as a base.
• Chocolate Chip Toffee Pecan Pie is rich and fudgy.
• Maple Pecan Baked Doughnuts from Foodness Gracious.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pans
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Silicone Baking Mats