How to Make the Perfect Pralines
Southern American · Easy · 45 min · 18 servings
These sweet and buttery Southern pralines are a wonderfully kid friendly candy that introduces children to the magic of cooking sugar and creating a soft melt-in-your-mouth confection. Kids love watching the candy mixture transform from a glossy liquid into the creamy crumbly praline texture that makes this classic Southern treat so special.
Why this recipe works
This Pralines recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Surface
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have a tablespoon ready for scooping and make sure all ingredients are measured before you start since this recipe moves quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Candy Mixture
Combine both sugars, heavy cream, and butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves then cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 235 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit or soft-ball stage, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in the Pecans
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves. Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and starts to lose its glossy sheen.
Step 4: Drop and Cool
Quickly drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet spacing them a couple inches apart. Let cool completely for 20 minutes until firm and set before removing from the pan.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pecan halves → walnut halves for a slightly more bitter and affordable alternative
- heavy cream → evaporated milk for a lighter version with a slightly less rich flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not beating the mixture long enough after removing from heat which results in sticky flat pralines that never set properly
- Cooking the sugar mixture past the soft-ball stage which creates grainy crumbly pralines instead of the desired creamy texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 2g protein, 29g carbs, 11g fat, 1g fiber.
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