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If there is one topping that instantly turns a simple dessert into something unforgettable, it is a warm praline sauce. Rich brown sugar caramel, toasted pecans, and butter come together to create a silky, bakery-style topping that tastes far more complicated than it actually is.
This easy salted caramel pecan praline sauce is the kind of recipe every home cook should keep in their back pocket. It takes just minutes on the stovetop and delivers that deep, caramelized flavor people associate with restaurant desserts.
Spoon it generously over vanilla ice cream, drizzle it across a slice of homemade cheesecake, pour it onto bread pudding, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a finishing touch for pancakes or waffles. It even pairs beautifully with baked apples and sweet potato casseroles during the holidays.
👉 If you’re serving it over cheesecake, don’t miss our homemade cheesecake recipe — the creamy texture is the perfect match for this buttery praline topping.
👉 Looking for something truly indulgent? Drizzle this sauce over warm cinnamon rolls instead of traditional icing
If you love homemade dessert sauces, be sure to browse our full sauce collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comes together in about 15 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty
- Thickens beautifully as it cools
- Instantly elevates everyday desserts
- Excellent for holiday baking and entertaining
This is one of those recipes that feels impressive but is secretly very low effort — exactly the kind that builds confidence in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Light brown sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Salt
- Chopped pecans (toasted)
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan — Allows the caramel to cook evenly without scorching.
- Balloon Whisk — Helps keep the sauce smooth as it simmers.
- Baking sheet — For toasting the pecans and deepening their flavor.
- Measuring cups & spoons — Accuracy matters for caramel consistency.
How to Make Salted Pecan Praline Sauce
Great praline sauce is all about controlled heat and proper caramel development. As the butter melts into the brown sugar and cream, the mixture transforms into a smooth caramel base. Allowing it to gently boil activates the sugars and thickens the sauce without needing any thickeners.
Toasting the pecans beforehand is a small step that delivers major flavor — it intensifies their natural oils and prevents them from tasting flat once stirred into the sauce.
Resist the urge to overcook the mixture. It should look slightly thinner than your desired consistency when removed from the heat because it will continue to thicken as it cools. The result is a glossy, pourable sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you drizzle it over.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintEasy Salted Pecan Praline Sauce
A rich, buttery brown sugar caramel sauce loaded with toasted pecans. This easy praline topping is perfect warm over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, bread pudding, sweet potatoes, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Sauces
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
To toast pecans: Spread pecans in a single layer and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Instructions
- Toast the pecans (optional but recommended): Bake chopped pecans at 350°F for 10 minutes in a single layer. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and salt.
- Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Boil for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecans.
- Serve warm or at a warm temperature. (It thickens more as it cools.)
Notes
-
Thickness note: Don’t overcook it—this sauce continues to thicken as it cools.
-
Serving ideas: Ice cream, cheesecake, apple crisp, brownies, pancakes/waffles, bread pudding, or drizzled over baked sweet potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Toast the pecans: It dramatically improves the flavor.
- Stir frequently: Caramel can scorch quickly if left unattended.
- Don’t overboil: The sauce thickens more as it cools.
- Serve warm: This is when the texture is at its absolute best.
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Reheat:
Warm gently in the microwave in 10–15 second intervals, stirring between each, or heat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a small splash of cream if you need to loosen the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sauce harden as it cools?
No — it thickens but remains soft and spoonable.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Reheat just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze praline sauce?
It’s not recommended. Cream-based sauces can separate after thawing.
Is this the same as caramel sauce?
Not quite — praline sauce is richer thanks to the brown sugar and toasted pecans, giving it deeper flavor and texture.
What Is Praline Sauce Made Of?
Praline sauce is typically made from butter, brown sugar, and cream that are simmered together to create a rich caramel base. Toasted pecans are then stirred in, giving the sauce its signature nutty flavor and slightly textured finish. A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the deep caramel notes.
The result is a smooth, pourable topping that tastes luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Praline sauce is most often served warm over desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, bread pudding, pancakes, and sweet breads. Its buttery caramel flavor pairs especially well with vanilla, apple, pumpkin, and cinnamon-based desserts.
Serving Ideas
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it on:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Cheesecake
- Bread pudding
- Apple crisp
- Brownies
- Pancakes or waffles
- French toast
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin desserts
- Spoon cakes
It also makes a beautiful finishing drizzle when you want a dessert to feel a little more special without much extra work.
Final Thoughts
Every kitchen needs a dependable “wow factor” recipe — and this salted pecan praline sauce delivers exactly that. It is simple enough for weeknights but luxurious enough for holidays, making it a topping you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Once you try it, you may never look at a plain scoop of ice cream the same way.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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