Experience the Delightful Sweetness: How to Make and Use Heavenly Hazelnut Praline Paste to Elevate Your Baking Game!

Are you looking for a way to add a nutty and sweet crunch to your desserts and pastries? Look no further than hazelnut praline! This classic confectionery has been around for centuries and is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can take your baking game to the next level.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the definition, history, and recipe for hazelnut praline. We’ll also provide some ideas on how to use this delicious treat to create mouth-watering desserts and pastries that are sure to impress.

No matter your level of baking expertise, creating hazelnut praline is both effortless and enjoyable. So, let’s explore the wonders of hazelnut praline and learn how to make and use it to take your desserts and pastries to the next level!

What is Praline?

The origins of hazelnut praline date back to the 17th century in France. It was invented by a cook who worked for the French sugar industrialist, Marshal du Plessis-Praslin. The cook was experimenting with caramelized sugar and almonds when he accidentally dropped some chopped hazelnuts into the mixture. He liked the taste so much that he started making it regularly, and it became known as “praline” after his boss, Marshal du Plessis-Praslin.

Over time, the recipe for praline evolved, and different nuts were used, including hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans. Hazelnut praline, in particular, became more popular in Europe and eventually spread to other parts of the world.

How To Make Praline?

Jump to Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for hazelnut praline:

Ingredients:

hazelnuts peeled and toasted
granulated sugar
cup water
neutral oil

Instructions

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.

Add the toasted hazelnuts to the melted sugar and stir quickly to combine. As you put the hazelnuts, the mixture will start to crystalize due to the temperature changes.

But continue mixing as the sugar will eventually melt again. Turn off the heat when you start to see browning. Keep mixing and it will become shiny and light amber color.

Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.

Let the praline cool and harden for about 30 minutes.

Once it’s hardened, break the hazelnut praline into pieces and store it in an airtight container.

You can consume it as it is or turn it into a paste. You can use it as a filling for macarons or cakes, mix it into ice cream, or spread it on toast. The possibilities are endless!

Once the mixture has cooled, break it into pieces by placing it in a ziplock bag, whack it a few times using a rolling pin. Place it in a food processor.

Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to ensure it’s all blended.

Start adding neutral oil once you see that the mixture is coarse.

Keep pulsing until it becomes smooth and liquidy without any large bits from the nuts and caramel.

Transfer the hazelnut praline paste to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months!

Ways to Use Hazelnut Praline Hazelnut praline is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various desserts and pastries. Here are some ways to use hazelnut praline:

Topping for Ice Cream Crush the hazelnut praline into small pieces and sprinkle it over your favorite ice cream flavors. The combination of the creamy ice cream and the crunchy praline is a match made in heaven.
Cake Decoration Use hazelnut praline as a decorative topping for cakes or cupcakes. You can also add it between cake layers for an extra crunch. A chocolate hazelnut cake with hazelnut praline in the layers is an excellent example of a delicious cake that incorporates hazelnut praline.
Filling for Chocolates Melt chocolate and pour it into a chocolate mold. Add a layer of hazelnut praline and then top it off with more melted chocolate to make homemade chocolates. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut praline is a classic and always a crowd-pleaser.

Garnish for Desserts Use hazelnut praline as a garnish for desserts like panna cotta, cheesecake, or fruit tarts. Sprinkle it over the top of the dessert to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Spread on Toast or Bagels Hazelnut praline can be spread on toast or bagels for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs well with cream cheese or peanut butter and is a great way to start the day.
Mixed into Brownie Batter Add some hazelnut praline to your favorite brownie recipe for a tasty and crunchy twist. You can also sprinkle some on top of the brownies before baking to create a crispy crust.
Mixed into Ice Cream Mix small pieces of hazelnut praline into softened ice cream before refreezing. The combination of the creamy ice cream and the crunchy praline is heavenly.

There are endless way to use Hazelnut Praline. I hope you guys give it a try and let me know what you guys think. Check this Basbousa ( Semolina Cake ) recipe that I just made incorporating Hazelnut Praline.

Hazelnut praline is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a nutty and sweet crunch to a variety of desserts and pastries. With its rich history and easy-to-make recipe, hazelnut praline is a great treat to make at home and impress your friends and family.

Whether you’re using it as a topping for ice cream, a filling for chocolates, or a garnish for desserts, hazelnut praline is a crowd-pleaser that can take your desserts to the next level. So why not give it a try and see how it can elevate your baking game?

Remember to follow the recipe carefully and keep an eye on the caramel as it can easily burn. Store your hazelnut praline in an airtight container and use it within a week or two to ensure its freshness.

In conclusion, hazelnut praline is a delicious and easy-to-make confectionery that has stood the test of time. Its rich history, crunchy texture, and nutty flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of desserts and pastries. So go ahead and try making hazelnut praline at home, and get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones!