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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to create a non-stick surface for the pralines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold pecan halves into the caramel, ensuring each nut is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
- Using a spoon, carefully drop portions of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, creating rustic rounds or clustered shapes as preferred.
- 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