The pros: Trader Joe's Pecan Pralines are a dangerous combination that are a touch sweet, salty, buttery, nutty, and crunchy.
The cons: It would be easy to eat way more than a serving or perhaps a whole box of these.
The verdict: My local Trader Joe's has finally run out of my favorite sweet nut combination: Glazed Walnuts with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup. Yes, it was seasonal. And yes, I have now checked three locations and they all seem to be gone. While all I can hope for is that they return next year, I have found a really good substitute.
Now, what I love about both these and the walnuts is the play on sweet, salty, nutty, smokey, buttery and crunchy. Both of these nut varieties have that combination.
There are some substantial differences between this and my beloved walnuts. First, these are different nuts all together this is pecans. But that is not the biggest difference. These have a distinct candy coating. They are much crunchier. They are also magnificent in baked goods. Add these to some blondies and you'll have something even more magical.
They have enough candy coating to cover, but not enough where you feel like you are having some type of candy confection. The coating isn't just sugar. Vanilla, butter, and corn syrup unite to make you feel like you are eating a confection.
They key here is balance and this walks that fine line between nut and candy. It is sweet enough to be enjoyed as a snack or thrown into a salad or in my case eaten by the handful every time I walk past these. For $5.99 for a 13 ounce container this is a reasonably priced treat.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The box of Trader Joe's Pralines:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
A close up of this product:
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Pecan Pralines again. They were fantastic to snack on but would make a fabulous add in to cookies, blondies or brownies.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
H M says
As mentioned a few months ago, I would be happy to pick up a few bags of the Glazed Walnuts with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup and ship them to you. Bethesda, DC (Georgetown/Foggy Bottom), and Rockville all have a good supply. Makes me wonder if certain items are "geographically seasonal"?
becomebetty says
I wonder that two because I was able to pick up 2 more bags from the Larchmont store. Thanks again for your kind offer.
Dag says
OMG- these sound delicious! I can't wait to get some. We must be lucky out here in Seattle- we still have some bags of the bourbon walnuts at my TJs. They weren't fully stocked. I took that as a potential bad sign so I bought 4 bags!!!!!
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! It's so crazy how one place can have them and another place I haven't seen them since the holidays. It's not like they have them all the time either. So weird. But yes, if you like those walnuts, you'll probably like the pecan pralines too. If you get around to trying them, I'd love to know what you think. Thanks as always for taking the time to stop by!
Alek says
Would make a great mix-in for ice cream & yogurt
becomebetty says
Absolutely Alek!
Jana Weatherby says
Made first-ever trip to TJ’s a few days ago (my town doesn’t have one😩) then made the mistake of opening the pecan pralines when I got home. O M G, somebody stop me...I can’t stay away!
becomebetty says
Those are one of my favorites too! Thanks so much for sharing!