Walnut Pralines
Indulge in the buttery sweetness of homemade Walnut Pralines, a classic Southern-inspired treat with a satisfyingly nutty twist. This irresistible confection combines toasted walnuts, rich brown sugar, and creamy butter, all cooked to perfection to create a candy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mastering the "soft-ball stage" technique ensures each praline has just the right balance of chewiness and crunch. Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or a midday sweet craving, these pralines offer a delightful burst of flavor from a touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe lets you recreate the charm of a traditional candy shop right in your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams Granulated sugar
- 100 grams Brown sugar
- 50 grams Unsalted butter
- 120 milliliters Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- 150 grams Walnuts
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar has dissolved completely.
Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 235°F (112°C) — the 'soft-ball stage.'
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and toasted walnuts. Mix well to coat the walnuts evenly.
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming individual pralines. Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
Allow the pralines to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Once fully set, transfer the pralines to an airtight container for storage. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2899 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 180.7 g | 232% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.2 g | 291% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 70.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 231 mg | 77% | |
| Sodium | 218 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 319.1 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 301.4 g | ||
| Protein | 23.2 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 241 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 814 mg | 17% | |
*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.
