Description
Easy Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a rich, buttery homemade candy with toasted pecans, smooth vanilla flavor, and a soft melt-in-your-mouth texture. These easy pecan pralines are perfect for holiday trays, gift boxes, dessert boards, and anytime you want a classic Southern-style sweet treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper and set it near the stove. If desired, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3 to 4 minutes, then let them cool.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
3. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture reaches 235°F to 240°F.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecans.
5. Keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and lose some of its shine.
6. Working quickly, spoon small rounds of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper.
7. Let the pralines cool at room temperature until fully set.
8. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container with parchment between the layers.
Notes
These pralines set quickly, so have your parchment-lined tray ready before the candy reaches temperature.
For the best flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the praline mixture.
If the mixture stays too loose, keep stirring off the heat for another minute until it thickens enough to hold its shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg