Description
Vanilla Pecan Pralines are creamy, rich Southern-style candies featuring buttery caramel and crunchy pecans. They make for beautiful gifts or sweet treats with just the right balance of smooth and nutty textures.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat. Stir until smooth and combined.
2. Attach a candy thermometer and cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 235°F to 240°F (soft-ball stage).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves. Stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and slightly dull.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Work quickly before the candy sets.
5. Let the pralines cool at room temperature until firm. Enjoy or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy; guessing the temperature often leads to undercooked or gritty results.
Stir only after removing from heat to prevent crystallization and maintain a smooth texture.
Toast the pecans before adding them for deeper flavor and extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pecan pralines, vanilla pralines, homemade candy