Description
This Easy Vanilla Pecan Pralines recipe offers a delicious Southern treat featuring a smooth, creamy candy made from pecans, vanilla, and a rich caramel base. Perfect for holiday gifts or a sweet indulgence, these pralines are quick to prepare and deliver a delightful combination of nutty flavor and buttery sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pralines Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to readily place the pralines when mixture is ready.
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, butter, and salt together, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Continue boiling and stirring frequently, using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 238–240°F (soft-ball stage).
- Add vanilla and pecans: Remove the saucepan from heat, then immediately stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves for even flavor distribution.
- Thicken candy mixture: Continue stirring vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and loses its glossy shine, indicating it is ready to set.
- Form pralines: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the thickened mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet before the candy hardens.
- Cool and set: Allow the pralines to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Work quickly when spooning the pralines as the candy sets rapidly and can harden before shaping.
- For a richer, nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the mixture.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
