Homemade Southern Pecan Pralines
User Reviews
5
Homemade Southern Pecan Pralines
Description
This recipe starts by dissolving sugar, buttermilk, light corn syrup, baking soda, and salt over low heat. The mixture is cooked to 234°F (soft ball stage), indicating the correct candy temperature for proper texture. After resting briefly, toasted pecans, butter, and vanilla are stirred in, and the mixture is beaten until it loses shine and thickens. Spoonfuls are dropped onto wax paper to cool and set.
The pralines are sweet with a tender, creamy chew and the distinctive flavor of toasted pecans and vanilla, typical of southern-style pralines. Cooking to the precise temperature and beating properly affects the final texture, preventing them from being either too hard or too soft.
Pralines can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage. They are best thawed refrigerated overnight if frozen. While pecans are traditional, this recipe allows substitution with various nuts like almonds or walnuts according to preference.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk (whole, not reduced fat)
- 1 ½ tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup pecans chopped and toasted
- 1 ½ teaspoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup, baking soda and salt in a heavy bottomed, large saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring constantly.
- Continue cooking over low heat and stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 234 degrees (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the nuts, butter and vanilla.
- Beat with a wooden spoon until mixture just begins to lose its shine and hold its shape (anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes).
- Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.
- Let stand until completely cool and set.
Notes
- Store pralines in a closed container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- They can be frozen for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- While pecans are traditional, you can substitute other nuts such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or cashews.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 78 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 78kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 43mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 19mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 18IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 8mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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