Description
Smooth Southern classic Buttermilk Pecan Pralines glide from humble kitchen to sweet Southern charm. Crunchy pecans and silky buttermilk dance together, inviting you to savor pure Louisiana indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) pecan halves or pieces
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
Fat and Flavoring Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Binding and Leavening Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring a smooth surface for cooling the pralines.
- Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine buttermilk, sugar, baking soda, and butter. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the butter melts and sugar dissolves completely.
- Gradually bring the liquid concoction to a gentle rolling boil, maintaining consistent movement with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan’s edge, monitoring the temperature carefully as the mixture continues to cook and concentrate.
- Watch for the mixture to reach exactly 235F (113C), which indicates the soft-ball stage of candy making. This critical point determines the pralines’ final texture.
- Immediately remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in toasted pecans and fragrant vanilla extract, allowing the ingredients to integrate smoothly.
- Let the mixture rest momentarily, about 30-45 seconds, to slightly cool and stabilize its temperature.
- Vigorously beat the mixture using a wooden spoon, creating a rhythmic stirring motion until the consistency transforms and loses its glossy appearance.
- Work swiftly to drop rounded spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring uniform shapes and sizes.
- Allow the pralines to set and cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes 20-30 minutes, before carefully removing them from the parchment paper.
Notes
- Use high-quality, fresh pecans for the most robust and rich flavor profile in your pralines.
- Calibrate your candy thermometer before starting to ensure accurate temperature reading for perfect candy consistency.
- Work swiftly when dropping praline mixture onto the baking sheet to prevent uneven shapes or premature hardening.
- Store pralines in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 166
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 14 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg