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Classic Southern candy with a rich, buttery caramel flavor and crunchy toasted pecans. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a New Orleans favorite, perfect for holidays or a sweet indulgence.
For 8 servings
Prepare your workspace. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Have two spoons ready for dropping the pralines. Ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go, as the process moves quickly.
Cook the candy base. In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the thermometer reaches the soft-ball stage, 238°F (114°C). This will take about 10-12 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter, toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Do not stir yet; let the butter melt on top for about 1 minute to help cool the mixture slightly.
Beat the mixture. Using a wooden spoon, begin stirring the mixture continuously and vigorously. Continue stirring for 2-4 minutes. You will see the mixture start to thicken, lose its glossy sheen, and become slightly opaque or matte. It should feel thicker and heavier against the spoon.
Portion the pralines. Working very quickly, use two spoons to drop tablespoon-sized portions of the candy onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. If the mixture in the pot hardens too quickly, you can place it back on very low heat for 10-15 seconds to loosen it, but be careful not to remelt it.
Set and store. Allow the pralines to cool and harden completely at room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes. Once set, they will lift easily from the parchment paper. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
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Classic Southern candy with a rich, buttery caramel flavor and crunchy toasted pecans. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a New Orleans favorite, perfect for holidays or a sweet indulgence.
This southern recipe takes 60 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 533.62 calories per serving with 3.03g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dessert or snack.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite bourbon along with the vanilla extract for a rich, warm flavor.
Stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the butter and pecans. The residual heat will melt them into the candy.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a warm, spicy kick.
For a creamier praline, cook to a slightly lower temperature (235°F / 112°C). For a more crumbly, traditional texture, cook to the higher end of the range (240°F / 115°C).
Pecans are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid, which can help support heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Pecans provide essential minerals like manganese, which is vital for bone health and metabolism, and copper, which supports immune function and nerve health.
The simple sugars in pralines offer a rapid source of energy, which can be useful for a quick pick-me-up, though it should be consumed mindfully.
Graininess is usually caused by sugar crystals forming. This can happen if you stir the mixture while it's boiling or if you don't dissolve the sugar completely at the beginning. Make sure to let it boil undisturbed until it reaches temperature.
The final texture is all about temperature. If they are too hard, you likely cooked the syrup past the soft-ball stage. If they are too soft and won't set, the syrup didn't get hot enough. A candy thermometer is your best friend for perfect pralines.
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, this recipe works well with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Just be sure to toast them first to bring out their flavor.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, with layers of parchment or wax paper in between to prevent sticking. They are best enjoyed within one week.
Pecan Pralines are a dessert and should be considered an indulgent treat. They are high in sugar and fat. However, pecans themselves offer healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and minerals. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
A single serving of three pralines contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the exact size. The majority of calories come from sugar, heavy cream, butter, and pecans.