Classic Pecan Pralines
Indulge in the Southern charm of **Classic Pecan Pralines**, a delightful confection that combines the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel with the satisfying crunch of pecan halves. Made with simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla, these homemade candies are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat. The key to their melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in precision cooking to the soft-ball stage, ensuring a creamy consistency that sets beautifully. Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these pralines are an irresistible taste of Southern tradition, ready in just 35 minutes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, occasionally scraping the sides of the pan to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
Once the butter has melted and the mixture begins to simmer, attach a candy thermometer and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches between 234°F to 240°F (soft ball stage).
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for exactly 1 minute, then stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves.
Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses some of its gloss; this may take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Quickly spoon heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Work quickly as the mixture can set rapidly.
Allow the pralines to cool at room temperature until fully set and hardened, about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, transfer the pralines to an airtight container for storage or wrap them individually in waxed paper for gifting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
261 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.8 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 30 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.6 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.3 g | ||
| Protein | 1.3 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 13 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 54 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
