vanilla pecan pralines recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best vanilla pecan pralines recipe

I am so excited to share this classic Southern recipe with you all – my vanilla pecan pralines recipe. It’s a staple in our household, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of crunchy pecans and sweet vanilla is absolute perfection.

My kids love helping me make these, and it’s become a fun family activity that we all look forward to. We make them for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but honestly, they’re perfect for any day of the week. There’s something so comforting about the smell of melting sugar and the taste of these chewy treats.

And the best part? They’re actually relatively easy to make, even for a beginner baker like me. I’ve included a brief history of pralines below, but let’s get straight to the recipe already – I just can’t wait for you to try them out!

They’re absolutely divine, and I know your family will love them just as much as mine does. My kids are always asking for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) , which is the ultimate testament to how delicious they are.

And the best part? They’re actually pretty healthy too – with all those nuts and honey, they’re a great alternative to traditional baked goods. So go ahead, give them a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

4.9 from 1177 votes

Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a classic Southern candy featuring a sweet, buttery caramel base with a rich vanilla flavor and crunchy pecans. These creamy pralines are perfect for holiday gifts or a special treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1/4 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter.
2Stir continuously over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4Do not let the mixture boil.
5Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan.
6Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
7Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
8Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 238°F, or the soft-ball stage.
9This should take about 10-12 minutes.
10Watch for visual signs of the candy thickening and becoming more viscous.
11Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves.
12Add the salt and stir until well combined.
13The mixture will thicken rapidly.
14This should take about 1-2 minutes.
15Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot.
16Using a spatula, quickly drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
17Allow the pralines to cool and set for about 20-25 minutes.
18They should firm up and become solid.
19Once cooled, remove the pralines from the baking sheet and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Candy thermometer
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Wooden spoon
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate for best results. Avoid stirring the mixture too much once it reaches the soft-ball stage to prevent crystallization. For a smoother praline, chop the pecans finely before adding them to the mixture.

Watch Video Of How Vanilla Pecan Pralines Works

I’m so glad you asked about storing these delicious treats – they really do last for quite some time when stored properly!

If you need to reheat your pralines after freezing or storing them at room temperature, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

You can also serve these tasty morsels as is – they’re perfect on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Pecan Pralines

1. What is the difference between pralines and pecan pralines?

Pralines are a type of candy made from sugar, cream, and sometimes nuts or fruit. Pecan pralines are a specific type of praline that features pecans as the main ingredient. The key difference is that pecan pralines typically include a higher proportion of nuts than other types of pralines.

2. Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional in pecan pralines, you can definitely experiment with other types of nuts if you prefer them. Walnuts or hazelnuts would work well in place of pecans.

3. How do I prevent my pralines from becoming too hard or too soft?

The key to making perfect pralines is to cook them until they reach the perfect stage – not too hard, not too soft. To achieve this, you should aim for an internal temperature of around 300°F (150°C) when making your pralines.

4. Can I store pralines in an airtight container?

Yes, you can store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

5. Can I freeze my homemade pralines?

Yes, you can freeze your homemade pralines by placing them in an airtight container or bag and storing them in the freezer for up to six months.

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