Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Introduction

Vanilla pecan pralines are a classic Southern treat with a creamy, buttery texture and a rich vanilla flavor. These sweet, nutty confections are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (200g) pecan halves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If desired, lightly toast the pecan halves to enhance their flavor. Prepare two tablespoons or scoops to drop the candy later.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, cubed butter, and baking soda. Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve completely.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously. If you have a candy thermometer, cook until the temperature reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage). Without a thermometer, cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves quickly for about 30 seconds as the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Using the tablespoons or scoops, immediately drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let the pralines cool completely at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them boosts their flavor and crunch.
• For a richer praline, substitute half of the heavy cream with evaporated milk.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, use the spoon test: the mixture should form a soft ball when dropped into cold water.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top of each praline before cooling for a sweet-salty twist.

Storage

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, separate layers with parchment paper. Reheating is not recommended as it may alter their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes, though pecans are traditional and offer the best flavor.

Why did my pralines turn out grainy?

Graininess often happens if the sugar crystals aren’t fully dissolved before boiling or if the mixture is stirred too much after reaching the soft-ball stage. Make sure to stir well before boiling and avoid excessive stirring afterward.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

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4.6 from 135 reviews

Classic Southern Vanilla Pecan Pralines featuring a creamy, buttery caramel base loaded with toasted pecan halves and a hint of vanilla. These rich, chewy pralines are easy to make on the stovetop and cooled to perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 pralines 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Praline Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (200g) pecan halves

Instructions

1. Prep Your Tools: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Optionally, lightly toast the pecan halves to enhance their flavor and aroma. Have two tablespoons or small scoops ready for portioning the candy drops.
2. Combine and Cook: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, cubed butter, and baking soda. Stir constantly over medium heat until the butter melts completely and the sugars dissolve, creating a smooth mixture.
3. Boil to Soft-Ball Stage: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Continuously stir to prevent burning. Use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage), or without a thermometer, cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Add Flavor and Nuts: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the pure vanilla extract and the toasted pecan halves. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds as the mixture begins to thicken slightly to ensure even distribution.
5. Drop and Cool: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the hot praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow the pralines to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes or until firm but still chewy.

Notes

• For best texture, avoid overheating the sugar mixture beyond soft-ball stage.
• Use fresh pecans and toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If pralines become too hard, warming them slightly can restore some chewiness.
• Work quickly when dropping pralines as the mixture sets fast.

Keywords: vanilla pecan pralines, southern pralines, pecan candy, homemade pralines, caramel pecan candy