Description
Delight in the rich, buttery sweetness of New Orleans Pecan Pralines, a classic Southern candy featuring caramelized pecans enveloped in a creamy, sugary coating. This easy stovetop recipe yields perfectly soft and chewy pralines with a deep vanilla flavor and a slight hint of salt to balance the sweetness, making it a beloved dessert and treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Praline Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Nuts
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow pralines to cool evenly.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter. Stir the mixture over medium heat constantly until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Attach a candy thermometer and keep cooking, stirring frequently, until the temperature reads 238°F (soft-ball stage), which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This ensures the correct texture for the pralines.
- Add flavor and nuts: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and pecan halves to infuse the candy with rich flavor and texture.
- Thicken the mixture: Vigorously stir the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken and take on a slightly cloudy appearance, indicating readiness for shaping.
- Form pralines: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, working fast before the candy hardens, to create individual praline shapes.
- Cool and set: Allow the pralines to cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until firm. Then store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperatures for perfect texture.
- If the mixture becomes too thick to scoop, gently warm it over low heat while stirring to soften.
- For a creamier praline, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the milk mixture before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
