Description
Learn how to make classic Southern pralines at home with sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. This easy recipe creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth candy perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients 🧈🍯
Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready to go. This will make the process smoother!Cook the Sugar Mixture 🍳
In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.Heat to Soft-Ball Stage 🌡️
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Keep stirring until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage).Add Pecans 🥄🍂
Stir in the pecan halves and let them cook in the mixture for an additional 3–5 minutes, ensuring they’re well coated.Add Vanilla Extract 🍦
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.Shape Your Pralines 🍬
Spoon the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in small, round mounds. Work quickly as the mixture sets fast!Let Them Cool ⏳
Allow the pralines to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour.Serve and Enjoy 🍽️😊
Once the pralines are fully set, serve them as a treat or package them as gifts. Enjoy the sweet, creamy taste of homemade Southern pralines!
Notes
- Storage: 🏠 Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them too sticky.
- Tips for Success: 💡
- Use a candy thermometer 🌡️ to ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature (235–240°F).
- Work quickly 🏃 when spooning the mixture onto parchment paper, as it sets fast.
- Ingredient Substitutions: 🍂
- Swap walnuts 🌰 for pecans if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, try dark brown sugar 🍫 instead of light brown sugar.
- Common Issues: ⚠️
- If the pralines are too grainy, it may be due to over-stirring or not reaching the proper temperature.
- Sticky pralines 😬 can result from undercooking the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pralines