Description
Creamy, rich, and loaded with toasted pecans, these Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a southern candy favorite. Easy to make with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and warm vanilla flavor, they’re perfect for gifts, holidays, or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Place pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 7 minutes, until fragrant. Set aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir constantly until butter melts and the mixture reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens slightly and becomes cloudy.
4. Quickly fold in toasted pecans, stirring to coat them well in the creamy mixture.
5. Using a spoon, drop small mounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow to cool and set for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
Always toast the pecans first for deeper flavor.
Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Stir just until thickened to avoid a grainy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: vanilla pecan pralines, southern candy, praline recipe