Pralines And Cream
Creamy pralines and caramel layered dessert with crunchy nut topping, perfect for gatherings or special occasions, combining rich ice cream, caramel, and crunchy cookie base.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine oatmeal, softened margarine, flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts in a bowl.
- Spread half of the mixture evenly in a 9 x 15-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Once cooled, the mixture will be crumbly.
- Pack the remaining mixture on top of the cooled base in the pan.
- Pour a 12-ounce jar of caramel topping over this layer.
- Soften half a gallon of vanilla ice cream and pour it over the caramel layer.
- Pour another jar of caramel topping over the ice cream.
- Top with the remaining crunchy mixture.
- Freeze until firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using toasted nuts or experimenting with different types such as pecans or walnuts. If you want a healthier twist, substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour or use coconut oil instead of margarine. To enhance the texture, try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla extract to the mixture. This dessert pairs beautifully with Melty Moments Cookies for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve pralines and cream as a decadent dessert at gatherings or family dinners. It pairs well with fresh fruit like strawberries or a scoop of additional vanilla ice cream on the side. For an impressive presentation, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and garnish with crushed nuts. This dessert is a standout at summer barbecues alongside dishes like Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. If you want to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or microwave individual portions for about 15-20 seconds to soften slightly. Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pralines And Cream contains roughly 271 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pralines and cream dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day in advance. Once assembled, cover it tightly and store it in the freezer. Just ensure you allow it enough time to thaw slightly before serving to achieve the best texture.
What can I substitute for the margarine in this recipe?
You can substitute the margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you're looking for a vegan option, use vegan margarine or coconut oil instead. Both alternatives will work well in maintaining the consistency of the dessert.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this pralines and cream dessert gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten due to cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).