Buttery Bliss: Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Sweet southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a classic pecan pralines recipe arrives on the counter.

Creamy confections from louisiana kitchens promise pure magic in every delectable bite.

Clusters of caramelized sugar and toasted pecans create a nostalgic treat that melts instantly.

Candymaking might seem intimidating, but this simple method guarantees success for novice and experienced cooks alike.

Smooth, golden patches of sugary goodness await your careful preparation.

Small batches yield rich, buttery morsels perfect for gifting or savoring solo.

Let’s whip up something deliciously unforgettable that will make taste buds dance with delight.

Best Methods to Keep Easy Pecan Pralines Fresh

• Store pralines in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from moisture to prevent stickiness.
• Wrap individual pralines in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Keep pralines in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain texture.
• Dust pralines with powdered sugar or separate layers with wax paper to prevent them from clumping together during storage.

FAQs About Easy Pecan Pralines

• Are pecans essential for pralines?

Pecans are traditional and give pralines their signature nutty flavor and crunch. You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts, but the authentic taste will change.

• How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?

Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. When it reaches exactly 240F (115C), the mixture is perfect for creating smooth, creamy pralines.

• Can I make pralines without a candy thermometer?

Without a thermometer, use the soft ball test: drop a small amount of mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready. But a thermometer provides more accuracy.

Why Easy Pecan Pralines Are a Sweet Southern Treat

• Simplify Sweet Crafting: Master this praline recipe with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a delicious Southern treat.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a batch of irresistible pecans candies that will wow friends and family at gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft a luxurious dessert using just a few pantry staples, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, decadent confection.
• Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy these pralines as a standalone sweet treat, gift them to loved ones, or use them as a gourmet topping for ice cream and desserts.

Ingredients for Easy Pecan Pralines

• Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that forms the base of the praline candy.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, deep sweetness and contributes to the caramel-like flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the praline mixture.
• Pecan Halves: The classic nut that gives pralines their signature crunch and nutty flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet background flavor to the pralines.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Parchment Paper, Silicone Baking Mat: Provides a non-stick surface for cooling and setting the pralines.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pralines

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and create an easy cleanup surface.

Step 2: Create Sugar Syrup

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Cook over medium heat, continuously stirring until sugars completely dissolve and mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Reach Precise Temperature

Let the mixture boil without stirring. Monitor the temperature carefully using a candy thermometer until it reaches soft ball stage around 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This process typically takes 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Enrich Caramel Base

• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt pinch

Blend ingredients until butter melts completely and creates a rich, glossy caramel.

Step 5: Incorporate Nutty Goodness

Gently fold pecan halves into the caramel mixture, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated with the sweet sauce.

Step 6: Shape Sweet Clusters

Use a spoon to drop mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Create round clusters or free-form shapes based on personal preference.

Step 7: Cool and Solidify

Allow pralines to rest at room temperature. They will gradually harden and develop a delectable caramelized texture. Wait until completely cool before serving or storing.

Helpful Tips for Making Easy Pecan Pralines

• Prevent burning by stirring sugar mixture constantly and using a candy thermometer for precise temperature control.
• Choose fresh, high-quality pecans for maximum flavor and crunch in your pralines.
• Work quickly when dropping praline mixture onto baking sheet to ensure uniform shape before caramel sets.
• Let pralines cool completely at room temperature to achieve perfect texture and prevent stickiness.
• Store pralines in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Variations to Personalize Easy Pecan Pralines

• Nutty Chocolate Pralines: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled pralines for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of pralines before they set for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Bourbon-Infused Pralines: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel mixture for a warm, complex taste.
• Coconut Pecan Cluster: Mix shredded toasted coconut into the praline mixture for extra texture and tropical notes.

Pairing Ideas for Easy Pecan Pralines

• Bourbon Bliss: Sip a smooth Kentucky bourbon that complements the sweet caramel notes, balancing the rich pecan flavor with its warm, oakey undertones.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy a robust dark roast coffee or espresso, whose slightly bitter profile cuts through the pralines' intense sweetness and enhances the nutty complexity.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or muscadelle, which mirrors the caramel tones and provides a luxurious accompaniment to these Southern-style treats.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Magic: Serve pralines alongside creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent contrast between cold, smooth texture and warm, crunchy praline clusters.

Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern Pecan Pralines bring sweet comfort straight from New Orleans kitchens, combining rich buttery notes with crunchy toasted pecans. Delightful caramel-kissed confections will melt smoothly on your palate, inviting pure indulgence with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) pecan halves
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to create a non-stick surface for the pralines.
2. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugars completely dissolve and form a smooth mixture.
3. Allow the sugar mixture to reach a rolling boil without stirring, monitoring the temperature until it hits 240°F (115°C), which typically takes 5-7 minutes using a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately incorporate unsalted butter, stirring until it melts completely, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the caramel’s depth of flavor.
5. Gently fold pecan halves into the caramel, ensuring each nut is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Using a spoon, carefully drop portions of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating rustic rounds or clustered shapes as preferred.
7. Let the pralines rest at room temperature, allowing them to naturally cool and solidify into a crisp, sweet confection with a glossy caramel finish.

Notes

• Control sugar caramelization by watching the temperature closely, ensuring it reaches exactly 240F for perfect praline texture.
• Prevent sugar crystallization by avoiding stirring once the mixture boils, which helps create smooth, glossy pralines.
• Use room temperature butter and add it quickly after removing from heat to maintain consistent mixture temperature and prevent separation.
• Quickly drop pralines onto prepared surface before mixture cools and hardens, allowing smooth, even formation of classic candy clusters.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 202 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 29 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1.3 g
• Protein: 2.2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg