Description
Sweet Southern charm meets confectionery magic in these classic Vanilla Pecan Pralines, delivering rich caramel notes with buttery pecan crunch. Creamy, indulgent treats will transport you straight to New Orleans’ delightful culinary landscape, inviting pure pleasure with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Sweet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
Dairy Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
Flavor and Nut Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (200 g) pecan halves, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare a clean, flat workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, creating a smooth surface for cooling the pralines.
- Enhance the pecans’ flavor profile by gently toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir the halves continuously for 2-3 minutes until a rich, nutty aroma develops, then transfer to a separate dish.
- Craft the candy base by combining granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring intermittently to ensure even melting and prevent scorching.
- Monitor the sugar syrup carefully, allowing it to reach a rolling boil without disturbing the mixture. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking until the temperature precisely hits 235F (112C), indicating the soft-ball stage.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately introduce vanilla extract, creating a fragrant swirl. Fold in the toasted pecans with swift, gentle motions to ensure each nut is completely coated with the glossy caramel mixture.
- Work expeditiously to shape the pralines, using a spoon to carefully drop generous dollops onto the prepared baking sheet. The mixture will begin to solidify quickly, so timing is crucial for perfect formation.
- Allow the pralines to rest and set completely at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, giving them time to develop their signature smooth, crystalline texture.
- Once fully cooled and set, transfer the pralines to an airtight container, where they will maintain their delicate crunch and rich flavor for up to one week at room temperature.
Notes
- Carefully line your baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Toasting pecans amplifies their nutty flavor and creates a deeper, more complex taste profile for your pralines.
- Work swiftly when dropping pralines onto the sheet, as the mixture hardens quickly and can become grainy if you hesitate.
- For a smoother texture, use a candy thermometer precisely and avoid stirring during the critical heating stage to prevent sugar crystallization.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg