Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Introduction

Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a delightful Southern treat, combining the creamy sweetness of caramel with the crunchy texture of toasted pecans. These bite-sized candies offer a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Prepare a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to shape the pralines later.
2. Step 2: Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
4. Step 4: Add the butter to the mixture, continuing to stir. Bring it to a gentle boil and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and salt. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and starts to thicken.
6. Step 6: Quickly spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds. Let the pralines cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until they are set.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use European-style butter with a higher fat content.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the toasted pecans slightly in a food processor before adding them.
• Keep stirring during cooking to prevent the mixture from burning and ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep them fresh longer, place a sheet of wax paper between layers. Reheat briefly in the microwave if they become too firm, but be careful not to melt them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream is best as it provides the necessary richness and consistency for the pralines. Using light cream may affect the texture and cause the mixture to be less creamy.

Why are my pralines grainy or sticky?

Graininess often results from the sugar not dissolving completely or the mixture cooking at too low a temperature. Stir continuously and ensure the sugar fully dissolves before boiling. Sticky pralines may need longer cooking to reach the proper thickness before setting.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

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4.7 from 140 reviews

Delightfully sweet and crunchy, these Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a classic Southern treat made with toasted pecans coated in a creamy vanilla-flavored sugar mixture. Perfect as a snack or gift, these pralines offer the rich taste of caramelized sugar combined with the buttery crunch of pecans.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 18 servings 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern United States

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Praline Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the work surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and have a tablespoon or small cookie scoop ready to shape the pralines once the mixture is cooked.
2. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pecan halves. Stir frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Combine sugars and cream: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the sugars completely dissolve and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
4. Add butter and cook: Incorporate the unsalted butter into the mixture, stirring continuously. Bring this to a gentle boil and allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, ensuring the sugars are fully cooked.
5. Flavor and combine: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and salt. Continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and starts to thicken, which indicates it is ready to form pralines.
6. Shape and cool: Quickly spoon small mounds of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet using the scoop or tablespoon. Allow the pralines to cool and set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the sugar from burning.
• Do not overcook the sugar mixture; a slight thickening is ideal to ensure the perfect praline consistency.
• Work quickly when spooning the mixture onto the baking sheet as it will harden fast.
• Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• For a nut-free variation, substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or omit completely.

Keywords: Vanilla Pecan Pralines, Southern candy, Pecan candy, Homemade pralines, Sugar candy, Nut sweets