Southern Pecan Pralines
User Reviews
4.9
Southern Pecan Pralines
Description
Southern Pecan Pralines are a storied candy featuring a blend of granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and evaporated milk that form a thick, sweet base when heated with butter. Once boiled to 235-240°F, the mixture is cooled slightly, then vanilla extract and pecan halves are folded in and gently beaten until the candy loses its shine and thickens. The candy is quickly dolloped onto parchment-lined sheets before it hardens, ensuring each praline retains a soft, chewy center encased by a tender shell. This cooking method balances the creamy sweetness of sugar and butter with the distinctive crunch and flavor of whole pecans. The final pralines offer a satisfying texture contrast and a buttery, nutty taste, characteristic of classic Southern confections.
The use of whole pecan halves rather than chopped nuts highlights the nut’s flavor and adds visual appeal typical of pralines from well-known Southern shops. The process requires watchful timing during beating to avoid a crumbly or sticky result, ensuring proper set and texture. This candy is enjoyed as a sweet treat or gift, embodying a deeply caramelized richness combined with the toasted pecan flavor.
Some cooks prefer to chop their pecans, but using whole halves produces a more traditional appearance and mouthfeel. The recipe is adapted from a well-known source and can be made reliably at home with a candy thermometer for precise temperature control.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
- 6 Tablespoons butter salted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-size heavy pot, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue to cook until the temperature reaches between 235-240°F on a candy thermometer (soft ball stage). Remove from heat and allow the praline mixture to cool for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla and pecans, beating by hand with a wooden spoon just until the candy begins to lose its glossiness and thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. If you beat too long, the candy will seize and start to crumble. If you don't beat it long enough, then pralines won't set properly and will stay soft and sticky.
- Work quickly to drop heaping tablespoons (I use a small cookie dough scoop) of pecan praline mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. If the praline mixture begins to harden in the pan, add a teaspoon of hot water at a time and stir to keep the mixture loose enough to scoop and drop.
- Cool completely until set and the pralines have reached room temperature. Store in an airtight container on the counter for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Using whole pecan halves produces a traditional praline texture and visual appeal, but chopping pecans is an option if preferred.
- Careful timing during the beating process is essential to set pralines properly without making them crumbly or sticky.
- A candy thermometer helps achieve the soft ball stage temperature (235-240°F) necessary for the right texture.
- Working quickly to spoon the mixture onto parchment prevents premature hardening and ensures proper shaping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16-20 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 97mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 129mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 41g | 82% |
| Vitamin A | 176IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 69mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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