If you’re craving a decadent, buttery treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a satisfying crunch, this Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich caramelized sugar melds beautifully with toasted pecans to create little bites of heaven that melt in your mouth. It’s a timeless Southern classic, and once you make these pralines, you’ll understand why they’re adored from coast to coast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe; every ingredient is essential, bringing its own special magic to the final taste and texture. These staples work together to create that luscious, creamy consistency and perfectly nutty flavor we all love.
- Light brown sugar: The foundation of caramel flavor, packed to provide deep sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
- Whipping cream: Adds smooth creaminess that balances the sugar and helps create the soft texture.
- Unsalted butter: Introduces a velvety richness and helps the pralines set up beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the caramel, elevating the overall flavor.
- Pecan halves: The star nuts that give pralines their signature crunch and nutty aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Helps achieve the classic praline texture and sweetness without graininess.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweet notes.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
First things first, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This crucial step ensures that when you drop your pralines, they won’t stick to the surface and will harden perfectly for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine and Boil the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, unsalted butter, salt, and whipping cream. Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously as the mixture warms. Stirring keeps everything smooth and prevents burning as the sugar dissolves and the butter melts.
Step 3: Boil to the Right Temperature
Once the mixture starts bubbling consistently and doesn’t stop boiling when stirred, let it cook for exactly one minute. This ensures your sugar has reached the perfect stage to create that creamy caramel texture essential for pralines.
Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Powders
Take the saucepan off the stove and whisk in the powdered sugar rapidly. The powdered sugar might make the mixture stiffen up, so quick whisking is important to keep it smooth and glossy without lumps.
Step 5: Stir in Vanilla and Pecans
Add the vanilla extract for that lovely fragrant note, then toss in the pecan halves. Stir everything together until the nuts are evenly coated and the mixture looks perfectly combined.
Step 6: Drop and Cool
Let the praline mixture cool just a bit, about a minute, so it’s easier to handle but still pliable. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheet. Let them sit undisturbed until they harden and cool completely for that classic praline texture and snap.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe
Garnishes
While these Southern Pecan Pralines are gorgeous on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after dropping them adds a sophisticated contrast, enhancing the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these pralines alongside rich coffee or a smooth glass of milk for a perfect snack. They also pair wonderfully with creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or bread pudding for a truly indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual pralines in wax paper for charming little treats to gift friends or bring to parties. You can also arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with fresh pecans and edible flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. They store best away from heat and moisture, maintaining their perfect texture and flavor for up to two weeks.
Freezing
If you want to save pralines for even longer, freeze them in a sealed container with parchment layers in between. When properly wrapped, pralines can last in the freezer for up to three months without losing their delightful taste.
Reheating
Reheating pralines isn’t usually necessary, but if they become too hard, place them in a sealed container and warm gently in your hands or at room temperature until they soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pecan pieces instead of halves?
Absolutely! Pecan pieces work just as well and might even distribute the nutty goodness more evenly throughout the pralines. It’s all about what you prefer in each bite.
Why did my pralines turn out grainy?
Graininess usually means the sugar crystallized too quickly. Make sure to stir constantly while heating and whisk in the powdered sugar quickly off the heat to get that smooth texture.
Can I substitute heavy cream for whipping cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used interchangeably with whipping cream for this recipe, providing the same creamy texture and richness.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar on hand?
Powdered sugar is key for texture without graininess, but if you’re in a pinch, you can try grinding granulated sugar very finely. Just note it might affect the final texture slightly.
How long do Southern Pecan Pralines last?
Stored properly at room temperature, these pralines will stay fresh and delicious for about two weeks. Beyond that, freezing is a great option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making this Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe from scratch—simple ingredients transforming into an irresistible Southern delight. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these pralines are bound to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy dances in the kitchen. Give it a try and let this sweet Southern tradition become a cherished favorite in your own home.
Print
Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 18 pralines
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Southern Pecan Pralines are a rich and creamy candy made with brown sugar, cream, butter, and pecans, offering a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are easy to make on the stovetop and perfect for gifting or enjoying as a homemade sweet snack.
Ingredients
Praline Mixture
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 of a stick)
- Pinch salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to cool and set the pralines later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the brown sugar, butter, salt, and whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and blend the ingredients.
- Boil Mixture: Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil that continues bubbling when stirred, start a timer and let it boil for exactly one minute without stirring.
- Remove from Heat and Add Powdered Sugar: After one minute, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves until they are fully incorporated into the praline mixture.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the mixture to cool for about one minute. It should thicken slightly but still be easy to scoop.
- Form Pralines: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set and Serve: Let the pralines cool completely at room temperature until they firm up. Serve once set or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not stir the mixture during the one-minute boil to allow proper caramelization and texture.
- Work quickly after adding powdered sugar to prevent the mixture from hardening prematurely.
- If pralines remain sticky after cooling, allow extra time to set or chill briefly in the refrigerator.
