4.6 from 66 votes
Bourbon Pecan Pralines
Bourbon Pecan Pralines are creamy, buttery candy made by cooking a sugar and dairy mixture to the soft ball stage, then stirring in toasted pecan halves and optional bourbon for flavor. Once spooned onto sheets, they set into rich, nutty confections with a velvety texture and pronounced caramelized sugar notes. They are a classic Southern treat enjoyed as snacks or gifts.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
12
servings (1 pound of nuts)
Calories:
286 kcal
Course:
Snacks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch salt
- ¾ cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 cups pecan halves toasted
- 1 tablespoon bourbon optional
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick silicone baking mats; set aside.
- Stir together the sugars and baking soda in a 3-quart saucepan. Stir in the half & half and place over medium heat. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the mixture reaches 235 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
- As soon as the mixture reaches 235 degrees, whisk in the butter until it is completely melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the pecans and bourbon until the nuts are evenly coated. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir vigorously until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Working quickly, drop tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Let sit at room temperature until completely dry, about 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If half-and-half is unavailable, mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream as a substitute.
- Bourbon can be replaced with another liquor or omitted, using 1 teaspoon vanilla extract instead.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze pralines in an airtight container for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Package pralines in tins or cellophane bags for gifting on the day of giving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
286kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
10mg
(3%)
Sodium
58mg
(2%)
Potassium
105mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
34g
(68%)
Vitamin A
120IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
0.3mg
(0%)
Calcium
39mg
(4%)
Iron
0.5mg
(3%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings (1 pound of nuts)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 286
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 286kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 58mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 105mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 34g | 68% |
| Vitamin A | 120IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.