Louisiana Pecan Pralines
Indulge in the sweet, nutty decadence of Louisiana Pecan Pralines, a classic Southern treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting to loved ones. This easy-to-make confection combines rich, buttery caramel with crunchy, chopped pecans for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that's impossible to resist. Crafted with simple pantry staples like granulated and light brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, these pralines achieve their perfect texture by cooking to the soft-ball stage, as measured with a candy thermometer. Each dollop of this creamy mixture is transformed into a velvety, pecan-studded candy that sets beautifully and stores well for up to a week. Perfect as a holiday dessert or a quick homemade gift, these Louisiana Pecan Pralines bring a taste of authentic Southern charm to your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Pecans, roughly chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium to large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve.
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage). This can take about 10-15 minutes.
Once the correct temperature is reached, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans until evenly incorporated.
Working quickly, use a spoon to drop dollops of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming pralines. Each should be about 1 to 2 tablespoons in size.
Allow the pralines to cool and set completely at room temperature, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
Once the pralines are firm and dry, gently peel them off the parchment paper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5074 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 291.2 g | 373% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.4 g | 452% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 364 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 728 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 632.3 g | 230% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 609.9 g | ||
| Protein | 21.2 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 298 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1208 mg | 26% | |
*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.
