HOW TO MAKE PECAN PRALINES

This recipe will teach you how to make Pecan Pralines, a traditional Southern candy made with pecans, brown sugar, butter & heavy cream. They’re a favorite for many, especially around the holidays!

Pecan candies are a sweet and indulgent treat that is beloved by many, they have a rich and buttery flavor that is hard to resist. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or gift, this pecan candy recipe creates a delightful treat that can be enjoyed year-round.

Pecan Pralines: A Deliciously Indulgent Treat Loved by Many

Pecan pralines have a rich history that reflects cultural influences and culinary evolution over time. Their origins trace back to specific regions, while variations in recipes showcase adaptability to local tastes.

Traditionally rooted in Southern cuisine, pralines have a storied history and are often associated with celebration and hospitality. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for a delightful blend of flavors that can evoke nostalgia and comfort. It’s no wonder that they have stood the test of time as a cherished dessert.

With their convenient size and satisfying crunch, pecan pralines serve as an excellent gift or personal treat. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with others, they bring joy and sweetness to any moment!

Tips & Tricks for The Perfect Pralines

• Thermometer. You will need a candy thermometer for this recipe. Make sure the candy reaches 235°, but not over 240°. This is soft ball stage and is needed for this candy to turn out right.
• Salt your sheet. Sprinkle salt over your parchment paper. This not only adds so much flavor, but also makes it easy to remove the candy from the paper.
• Constant stirring. You will need to stir this candy for at least 10 minutes until the candy has cooled and thickened.  Once the candy begins to lose its shine, it is time to spoon it out onto a wax paper lined pan.
• Let cool. Cool the candy completely before eating, this generally takes about 2 hours. It needs time to set up and harden.

Ingredients for Pecan Pralines

Pecan: For the base of this delicious candy recipe, you will need 2 ½ cups of pecan halves.

Salt: Balance the sweet flavors by using 1 tsp of salt in this recipe.

Brown sugar: Adding 3 cups of brown sugar will give these treats an incredible depth of flavor.

Heavy cream: You need 1 cup of heavy cream to create rich and flavorful pralines.

Butter: Give the candies a nice shine by using 4 TBSP of butter.

Corn syrup: 2 TBSP of corn syrup helps solidify the pecan pralines, so they don’t fall apart when picked up.

Baking soda: Use ½ tsp of baking soda to make the pralines light and airy.

Vanilla extract: Enhance all the wonderful flavors in this dessert by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

How to make Southern Style Pecan Pralines

Prep

Get started by preheating the oven to 400°F and then spread the pecans over a large cookie sheet. Once the oven is to temperature, toast the pecans for 5 minutes, then stir them and bake for another 5 minutes.

Next line a large cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper and sprinkle the salt on the paper.

Candy syrup

In a heavy bottomed pan, heat the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often, until the candy thermometer reaches 235°.  Then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the toasted pecans and vanilla extract.  

Shape & cool

Stir continually until the candy begins to thicken. When it starts to lose its gloss, immediately spoon heaping tablespoons of candy onto the salted baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Allow the candy to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Storage and Preservation of Pecan Pralines

Pecan pralines can be stored effectively by following these guidelines:

• Cool Completely: Ensure they cool fully at room temperature before storage to prevent stickiness.
• Airtight Containers: Place pralines in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Store at room temperature and they will last up to three weeks. For best flavor, consume within two weeks. Proper storage preserves their signature taste and prevents spoilage.

Can you use condensed milk in making pecan pralines?

Condensed milk can be used in some pecan praline recipes. It adds creaminess and sweetness, enhancing the texture. However, traditional recipes typically rely on butter, sugar, and heavy cream.

How does the flavor of pecan praline differ from butter pecan?

Pecan pralines have a rich, sugary flavor with a slight caramel note due to the cooking process of sugar. In contrast, butter pecan offers a buttery taste with a more subtle nut flavor, often associated with ice cream or desserts.

What is the distinction between pecan candy and pecan pralines?

Pecan candy is a broader category that encompasses various sweet treats made with pecans, including brittle and clusters. Pecan pralines specifically refer to a creamy, sugary confection often cooked to a soft ball stage, featuring whole pecans.

Try more of our delicious Holiday candy recipes here:

• Old Fashioned Potato Candy
• Homemade Almond Joy Bars
• Turtle Candy Recipe
• Microwave Pumpkin Spiced Caramels
• Easy Oreo Balls
• Buckeye Balls Candy
• Saltine Cracker Toffee recipe
• Candy Cane Fudge
• Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Martha Washington Candy (Coconut Pecan Truffles)
• Rolo Pretzel Turtles
• Tiger Butter Fudge
• Easy Chocolate Peppermint Patties
• Chocolate Raspberry Sticks
• Raspberry Jelly Candy
• Easy Mint Chocolates
• Peanut Clusters
• Cherry Jelly Hearts Candy
• Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks

Learning how to make Pecan Pralines is simple with our easy at home recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort. Enjoy these pecan candies during the holidays, share with family and friends to spread joy through the season!