New Orleans Style Pralines
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of New Orleans Style Pralines, a classic Southern confection that perfectly captures the essence of Cajun cuisine. Made with a heavenly blend of granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and creamy evaporated milk, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are generously studded with crunchy pecans and infused with the warmth of vanilla. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 25 minutes, highlights the art of candy-making with a simple soft-ball stage technique that ensures a perfectly smooth, fudge-like texture. Perfect for gifting, serving at festive gatherings, or enjoying as a nostalgic snack, these homemade pralines bring the charm and tradition of New Orleans right to your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 cup Evaporated milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Pecans
Instructions
Prepare a countertop or baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This is where the pralines will cool. Alternatively, lightly grease the surface with butter.
In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt.
Add the evaporated milk to the sugar mixture and stir until combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 238°F (114°C), known as the soft-ball stage. This step typically takes about 8–10 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and pecans.
Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula for 2–3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken and becomes slightly cloudy.
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared parchment paper or surface. Try to create small mounds before the mixture hardens.
Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature, which should take about 20–30 minutes.
Once the pralines have firmed up, carefully remove them from the parchment paper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4284 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 192.5 g | 247% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.7 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 43.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 134 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 488 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 657.6 g | 239% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 637.7 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1009 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 1937 mg | 41% | |
*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.
