Hey there! Anne Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. You know, after years of working in restaurants, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks in the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite treats with you – a mouthwatering Pecan Praline Recipe.
This sweet little number takes me right back to my childhood in Louisiana. I remember my grandma making these on special occasions, and the smell would fill up the whole house. Now, I love whipping up a batch when I need a taste of home or want to impress guests with a Southern classic.
Don’t worry if you’re new to candy-making – I’ll walk you through each step. This recipe is simpler than you might think, and the results are so worth it. Get ready for a buttery, caramel-y, nutty delight that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
What Exactly Is A Pecan Praline?
Pecan pralines are a delightful Southern treat made with pecans, sugar, butter, and some kind of dairy. In different recipes, you might find milk, cream, half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even buttermilk used.
In my own pecan praline recipe, I’ve stuck with evaporated milk during testing. But I’m confident you could swap it out with any of these other dairy options in equal amounts and still get delicious pralines.
Why This Recipe Works!
- These simple candies come together with just 6 ingredients in about 25 minutes, making them ideal for giving as gifts or bringing to parties.
- If you’re a fan of pecans, you’re going to adore these pralines. The combination of brown sugar, cream, butter, and vanilla creates a deliciously creamy and buttery coating around roasted pecans.
- You can easily find all the ingredients in most grocery stores, and you might even have some of them in your pantry already.
Pecan Praline Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Candy thermometer
- Measuring Cups
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 7-10 mins, stirring halfway.
- In a heavy pot over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup.
- Attach candy thermometer to pot; stir frequently.
- Once bubbling, stir constantly until temperature reaches 235°F (soft ball stage).
- Remove from heat; quickly stir in pecans and vanilla until mixture loses glossiness.
- Drop rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cool at room temperature for 20 mins until set.
Nutrition
Tips For Making The Best Pralines!
- Protect Yourself: When working with hot sugar, wear long sleeves to shield your arms from any splatters. Sugar burns can be quite painful, so it’s important to take precautions, especially if children are nearby.
- Moderate Heat: Start cooking the sugar mixture over moderate heat and increase gradually. Rushing the cooking process by using high heat can lead to scorched candy. If any hot syrup splashes onto your skin, rinse it off immediately and apply an ice cube to prevent burns.
- Use a Candy Thermometer: For precise results, use a candy thermometer, preferably digital, to monitor the temperature accurately as the syrup cooks. This ensures the pralines set properly without becoming too soft or too hard.
- Avoid Humid Days: According to traditional Southern wisdom, pralines should not be made on rainy or humid days. Moisture in the air can affect the texture of the candy, making it grainy or overly soft. Choose a dry day for best results.
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. Once the sugar starts to cook, the process moves quickly, so being prepared helps you stay focused and avoid mistakes.
- Patience is Key: Making pralines requires patience, especially during the cooling and setting process. Allow the pralines to cool completely before enjoying them for the best texture and flavor.
What To Serve With Pecan Praline?
