Pecan Pralines Southern Style
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of Pecan Pralines Southern Style, a classic Southern confection that melts in your mouth with every bite. Made with a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar, heavy cream, and a generous dose of real vanilla extract, these pecan-studded treats strike the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy. Crafted with care using a candy thermometer to achieve the ideal soft-ball stage, this recipe guarantees pralines with the perfect texture. Featuring toasted pecan halves enveloped in a caramelized coating, these nostalgic morsels make for an irresistible dessert or a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether you're new to candy-making or a seasoned pro, you'll love how easy and rewarding this recipe is to whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for holidays, parties, or indulgent snacking, these Southern-style pralines are a sweet taste of tradition that’s impossible to resist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 2 cups Pecan halves
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Ensure the workstation is prepared as the pralines will set quickly once cooked.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugars dissolve completely.
Add the unsalted butter to the mixture and continue to stir until fully melted.
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring the tip does not touch the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Cook until the thermometer reads 235–240°F (soft-ball stage).
Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Fold in the pecan halves, stirring until they are fully coated and the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Be ready to work quickly, as the praline mixture will start to set as it cools.
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Allow the pralines to cool and set completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 30 minutes.
Once the pralines are firm, gently remove them from the parchment paper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5278 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 315.3 g | 404% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.4 g | 522% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 426 mg | 142% | |
| Sodium | 732 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 633.1 g | 230% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 608.9 g | ||
| Protein | 21.4 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 303 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1200 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.
