Description
These Authentic Southern Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a rich, buttery Southern candy that comes together quickly on the stovetop—perfect when you need an easy dessert, a special sweet for the holidays, or homemade food gifts. With creamy vanilla-scented caramel, toasted pecans in every bite, and simple ingredients you already know and love, this easy recipe is ideal for quick breakfast treats, dessert trays, and anyone looking for classic yet simple dessert ideas and sweet food ideas.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Instructions
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it near the stove so it’s ready for the hot praline mixture.
2. Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly darkened, then transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, water, butter, and salt, and stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar begins to dissolve.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, then attach a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 236-240°F (soft-ball stage).
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecan halves until they are evenly coated.
6. Continue stirring the mixture steadily for 2-4 minutes, until it thickens, loses its glossy shine, and becomes creamy and opaque.
7. Working quickly, drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each praline as they will spread slightly.
8. Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until firm and set, then carefully peel them from the parchment and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the sugar mixture; once it reaches 236-240°F and turns a rich caramel color, remove it from the heat and start stirring in the pecans so the pralines set creamy instead of turning dry or crumbly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pralines
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: authentic southern vanilla pecan pralines, easy candy recipe, holiday dessert, homemade food gifts, dessert ideas