Description
Learn how to make classic pecan pralines, a sweet and buttery Southern treat. This recipe guides you through the process of creating these melt-in-your-mouth candies at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, salt, and baking soda.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F or 113-116°C).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves.
- Stir vigorously until the mixture thickens and begins to lose its shine, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, allowing them to cool and harden.
- Let the pralines cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
- The mixture will thicken quickly, so be ready to stir continuously.
- If the pralines are too thin, cook the mixture a little longer. If they are too thick, add a tablespoon or two of cream while stirring.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g