Introduction
The butter board trend has taken the culinary world by storm, offering a beautiful, communal way to enjoy appetizers. But who said butter boards must be savory? We present the ultimate sweet indulgence: the Pecan Praline Spice Butter Board. This decadent dessert centerpiece transforms creamy, spiced butter into a canvas for crunchy, caramelized pecans and a rich maple drizzle. Inspired by classic Southern praline candies and warm holiday spices, this board is perfect for festive gatherings, brunch, or a truly elevated dessert experience. It’s visually stunning, incredibly easy to assemble, and guaranteed to be the star of your table.
Ingredients
- 250 g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 60 g (1/4 cup) Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 120 g (1 cup) Pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
- 60 g (1/2 cup) Praline Candy Pieces or brittle (store-bought or homemade)
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) Maple Syrup or Caramel Sauce, for drizzling
Step-by-step Preparation
Prepare the Compound Butter Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Using a rubber spatula or hand mixer, beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the butter too oily.
Assemble the Board: Select a clean wooden or slate serving board. Using an offset spatula, spread the spiced butter mixture evenly across the board, creating a thick layer with soft swoops and peaks. Leave about 2-3 cm (1 inch) of border space around the edges.
Toast and Scatter Toppings: Toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant (this deepens the flavor). Allow them to cool slightly. Evenly scatter the toasted pecans and the praline candy pieces across the butter surface, pressing them gently into the butter so they adhere.
Drizzle and Serve: Finish the board by generously drizzling the maple syrup or caramel sauce over the entire surface. Serve immediately at room temperature with suggested dippers like graham crackers, shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, or crisp apple slices.
Nutritional Information
Due to the high fat and sugar content, this Pecan Praline Spice Butter Board is considered an indulgent dessert. A standard serving (approximately 2 tablespoons of butter mixture plus toppings) contains roughly 300-400 calories, 30g of total fat, and 15g of sugar. While high in saturated fat, the pecans contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. This board is intended as a treat for special occasions.
Storage
The Pecan Praline Spice Butter Board is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. If you have leftovers, they should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours due to food safety concerns. To store: scrape the remaining butter mixture off the board and place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Note that the texture of the pecans and praline will soften upon refrigeration. It is not recommended to freeze the assembled board.
Conclusion
This Pecan Praline Spice Butter Board is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The combination of warm spices, salty butter, and crunchy, sweet praline is irresistibly comforting. For variations, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the butter mixture for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor, or swap the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts. Serve it alongside hot coffee or a glass of dessert wine, and watch this stunning centerpiece disappear!