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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/vanilla-pecan-pralines-recipe/