Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This praline paste is rich, customizable, and incredibly versatile. It requires only a few ingredients and delivers bakery-quality results with deep caramelized flavor.
Homemade Sweet Praline Paste: Silky, Nutty, and Perfect for Decadent Desserts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Homemade Sweet Praline Paste is a rich and nutty spread made from caramelized sugar and toasted nuts, blended into a smooth, flavorful paste perfect for desserts and fillings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts or almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and toast nuts for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water without stirring.
- Allow sugar to melt and turn into a deep amber caramel.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in toasted nuts and salt.
- Pour mixture onto a parchment-lined tray and let cool completely until hardened.
- Break into pieces and transfer to a food processor.
- Blend until a smooth, creamy paste forms, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add vanilla extract if desired and blend briefly to combine.
- Store in an airtight jar at room temperature.
Notes
- Blend long enough for natural oils to release and form a paste.
- Use caution when working with hot caramel.
- Perfect for cakes, macarons, ice cream, and fillings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Raw hazelnuts or almonds form the base of the paste, providing rich nutty flavor.
Granulated sugar caramelizes to create the signature praline depth.
Water helps dissolve the sugar evenly during caramelization.
Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Neutral oil can be added if needed to achieve a smoother consistency.
Vanilla extract is optional for added warmth and aroma.
Directions
Begin by toasting the nuts in the oven until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber caramel color. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Pour the hot caramel over the toasted nuts spread on parchment paper. Allow the mixture to cool and harden completely.
Break the hardened praline into pieces and place them in a high-powered food processor. Blend until a fine powder forms, then continue processing until the oils release and a smooth paste develops. Scrape down the sides as needed.
If the paste seems too thick, add a small amount of neutral oil and continue blending until silky and spreadable.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately one cup of praline paste. Preparation takes 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooling and blending.
Storage/reheating
Store praline paste in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to one month. Stir before use if separation occurs.
Variations and Customizations
Praline paste can be customized depending on your preferred nut and flavor profile. I tested this recipe using almonds instead of hazelnuts, which produced a slightly milder and sweeter paste. You may also blend a mixture of nuts for complexity.
For a deeper caramel note, cook the sugar slightly darker, but monitor carefully to avoid bitterness. A pinch of sea salt can enhance contrast and create a salted praline version.
Chocolate can also be incorporated to create a praline chocolate spread. These adjustments allow you to tailor the paste to specific desserts while maintaining its signature richness.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Toast Evenly
Even toasting enhances flavor depth significantly.
Monitor Caramel Closely
Remove from heat once amber to prevent bitterness.
Blend Patiently
It may take several minutes for the paste to become smooth.
Store Properly
Keep sealed to maintain freshness and texture.
FAQs
What nuts work best for praline paste?
Hazelnuts and almonds are most traditional, but others can be used.
Why is my paste grainy?
Continue blending; the oils need time to release.
Can I make it without a food processor?
A high-powered blender is recommended for smooth results.
Does it need refrigeration?
Room temperature storage is fine for short periods.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Sugar is essential for caramelization, so reducing it alters texture.
How can I use praline paste?
It works beautifully in fillings, frostings, ice cream, and pastries.
Conclusion
Homemade Sweet Praline Paste is a rich, versatile ingredient that elevates countless desserts with its deep caramelized nut flavor. Simple to prepare yet impressively refined, it is a worthwhile addition to any baker’s repertoire.
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