Prepare to transport your taste buds to the enchanting streets of New Orleans with these irresistible, creamy pecan pralines! These golden, melt-in-your-mouth confections are more than just a dessert – they're a delectable piece of Southern culinary history that will make you feel like you're sitting on a charming French Quarter balcony. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, this recipe promises to turn your kitchen into a sweet paradise that'll have everyone begging for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 pralines
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Have all ingredients measured and ready before beginning.
- In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until sugars dissolve completely.
- Add unsalted butter to the sugar mixture and continue stirring. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the tip doesn't touch the bottom.
- Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 238-240°F (soft-ball stage). This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Watch temperature carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove pan from heat and immediately stir in pecan halves and vanilla extract. Quickly mix to coat pecans evenly with the sugar syrup.
- Working rapidly, use a spoon to drop praline mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Allow each praline to spread naturally into a circular shape.
- Let pralines cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until they set and become firm. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause crystallization.
- Once completely cooled, gently remove pralines from the parchment paper. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by wax paper.
Tips
- • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sugar from burning • Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting – praline-making requires quick action • Invest in a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature control • Work quickly when dropping pralines onto the baking sheet to prevent hardening • Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and texture • Allow pralines to cool naturally at room temperature to achieve the ideal consistency • Store pralines between layers of wax paper to prevent sticking • If your pralines become too hard, you can slightly warm them to restore their creamy texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
