Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe

Introduction

Southern Pecan Pralines are a classic sweet treat with a creamy, buttery texture and crunchy pecans. These rich candies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can bring a taste of the South to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into tablespoons)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line three sheet pans with foil or parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Place over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve.
3. Step 3: Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent burning. Cook until a candy thermometer reaches 236°F (soft ball stage), about 6-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the pecan halves, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. After mixing, do not stir further. Let the mixture cool to 170°F, which takes about 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until it thickens, about 1 minute.
6. Step 6: Drop heaping tablespoons of the praline mixture onto the prepared sheet pans. Let them set at room temperature until completely hardened, about 8 hours or overnight.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the mixture.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball that holds its shape.
• Try swapping half the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Storage

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To refresh their texture, let them come to room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause them to sweat and become sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pralines without a candy thermometer?

Yes, you can use the cold water test by dropping a small amount of the hot candy mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that holds its shape, it has reached the soft ball stage needed for pralines.

Why did my pralines turn out grainy?

Grainy pralines often happen when the sugar crystallizes too quickly. To prevent this, avoid stirring the mixture after adding the vanilla and nuts and ensure the sugar dissolves completely before boiling.

Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 pralines 1x

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Description

Southern Pecan Pralines are a classic Southern confection featuring a rich, creamy candy made with butter, sugars, cream, and pecans. These pralines offer a delightful combination of sweet, buttery flavor with a satisfying crunch from the toasted pecans. Perfect as a holiday treat or anytime you crave a decadent homemade sweet snack.

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Ingredients

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Praline Mixture

• ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into tablespoons)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking sheets: Line 3 sheet pans with foil or parchment paper and spray them with cooking spray. Set aside to keep the pralines from sticking once dropped.
2. Combine ingredients and melt butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Place over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until the butter is melted and sugars have dissolved completely.
3. Cook to soft ball stage: Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking. Cook until the candy thermometer reaches 236°F, or the soft ball stage, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Add pecans and vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the pecan halves, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Once combined, avoid overmixing to preserve texture.
5. Cool mixture: Allow the praline mixture to cool undisturbed to 170°F, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
6. Stir to thicken: Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture vigorously for about 1 minute until it starts to thicken and lose some glossiness.
7. Form pralines: Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans. Space them apart to allow for spreading.
8. Allow to set: Let the pralines rest at room temperature for about 8 hours or overnight until they are fully hardened and set.

Notes

• Temperature is key: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (236°F) for the proper texture.
• Do not overmix after adding pecans and vanilla; this helps the pralines set correctly.
• Let the pralines cool slowly at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
• Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• You can toast pecans lightly beforehand for an added depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern pralines, pecan candy, homemade pralines, candy recipe, southern dessert, pecan sweets, classic pralines