Description

Ever craved a sweet, nutty treat that melts in your mouth with a perfect blend of caramel and pecans? Pralines are a classic Southern confection, combining toasted pecans with a rich, buttery sugar syrup for an irresistible candy

Ingredients

Scale

Pralines use a handful of ingredients to create their signature rich, nutty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 20 servings:

1 ½ cups toasted pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty backbone.
1 ½ cups white sugar: Sweetens and forms the caramel base.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds depth and a molasses-like flavor.
½ cup milk: Creates a creamy, smooth texture.
⅜ cup butter (6 tablespoons): Adds richness and a buttery finish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Pecans: Toasted pecans are the star, offering crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that defines pralines.
Sugars: The mix of white and brown sugar creates a complex, caramel-like sweetness.
Milk and Butter: Ensure a creamy, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
Vanilla: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Pecans: Swap with walnuts or almonds, though pecans are traditional for authentic Southern pralines.
Milk: Use heavy cream for an even richer texture or plant-based milk (like almond or oat) for a dairy-free version.
Butter: Replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Use all white sugar if brown sugar isn’t available, but the flavor will be less complex.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and ensure vanilla extract is vegan-friendly.
Add-Ins: Stir in a pinch of sea salt or ¼ teaspoon cinnamon for a flavor twist.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather 1 ½ cups toasted pecans, 1 ½ cups white sugar, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup milk, ⅜ cup (6 tablespoons) butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.

Tip: Watch pecans closely while toasting to prevent burning.

Step 2: Cook the Praline Mixture

In a large saucepan, combine toasted pecans, white sugar, brown sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Once boiling, stop stirring and heat to 240°F (115°C, soft-ball stage). Use a candy thermometer, or test by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.

Tip: Avoid stirring after the mixture boils to prevent crystallization, which can make pralines grainy.

Step 3: Form the Pralines

Remove the saucepan from heat as soon as it reaches 240°F.
Drop the mixture by spoonfuls (about 1-2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, working quickly before it sets.
Let the pralines cool completely, about 30-60 minutes, until firm.

Tip: Use a spoon or small scoop for uniform pralines, and space them apart to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooled, peel pralines from the foil and serve on a platter or in gift boxes.

Tip: If pralines spread too much, the mixture may not have reached 240°F; ensure accurate temperature for the best texture.