Published On Premieres Oct 1, 2024
Classic Southern Pralines Pecans Recipe
Craving something sweet, rich, and nutty? Let me introduce you to pralines pecans, a classic Southern treat that’s easy to make at home and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. These delightful candies combine toasted pecans with a buttery, sugary coating that melts in your mouth.
Why Pralines Pecans?
Pralines are all about balance: sweet, crunchy, and just a touch of salt to bring everything together. The rich caramel flavor combined with the nuttiness of pecans makes these candies irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes around 12 pralines, enough for 6-8 people:
1 ½ cups pecan halves
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
How to Make Pralines Pecans
Start by toasting your pecans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pecans on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re fragrant and slightly golden.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Once the mixture starts to bubble, stop stirring and allow it to reach a temperature of about 235°F (113°C), or the “soft ball” stage if you’re using a candy thermometer.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
Quickly spoon the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming individual pralines. Let them cool and harden for about 30 minutes.
Once they’ve set, enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness of your homemade pralines pecans!
Pro Tip: Store for Later
If you somehow manage not to eat them all at once, pralines pecans store well in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for gift-giving during the holidays or to keep around as a special treat.
Have you ever made pralines pecans at home? What’s your favorite way to enjoy this Southern classic?
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