Nut praline

Delicate and melt-in-your-mouth nut praline is a dessert that’s truly impossible to resist. In its homeland, France, known for its refined cuisine, praline is considered not just a sweet treat but a true national culinary treasure.

The original recipe dates back to the 17th century, when praline was made from whole nuts coated in caramel and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Today, praline is more commonly known as a soft, creamy paste reminiscent of melted chocolate. This modern version is a smooth, moderately thick nut butter or nut mousse that can be spread on bread, pastries, or enjoyed on its own. One of the best bases for homemade praline is fresh walnut kernels. Their combination with cocoa adds an exquisite aroma and an incredibly rich, complex flavor.

This is one of those rare cases where flavor and nutrition come together perfectly. Walnuts are rich in iodine, a vital mineral for healthy thyroid function. They also contain essential omega fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and many other nutrients involved in metabolic processes.

CraftOil, a trusted Ukrainian producer of aromatic, healthy, and delicious craft oils, offers a wide selection of organic, certified walnut kernels, ideal for making praline. They also serve as a clean-eating snack or a base for cold-pressed walnut oil.

Browse our full range — we’re sure you’ll find a cold-pressed oil, flour, or kernels you’ll love.

Ingredients (makes 4 servings)

To make praline, you need:

• 90–100 g walnut kernels;
• 200 g sugar;
• 50 g vegetable oil;

Step-by-step preparation

Toast the walnuts: Place the walnut kernels in a dry skillet and toast them over low heat until they darken slightly and release a nutty aroma.

Remove the skins: Transfer the warm nuts onto a clean towel, cover with another cloth, and rub gently to remove the skins.

Grind the nuts: Blend the peeled nuts on low speed or roll them out between two sheets of parchment paper using a rolling pin until finely crushed.

Make the caramel base: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet. Once warm, slowly add the sugar, stirring constantly over low heat until a thick, golden-brown caramel forms.

Combine: Remove from heat, mix in the crushed nuts, and transfer the mixture to a container to cool.

Serve: Spoon the praline into dessert bowls or ramekins. Garnish with powdered sugar, chopped chocolate, or crushed nuts if desired.

Notes:

The praline will taste even better if you use a mix of nuts — try almonds or cashews along with walnuts.

For optimal taste and texture, choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as camelina, corn, sunflower, or poppy seed oil — all available from CraftOil, a Ukrainian company specializing in artisanal natural products.