Picture this: the rich scent of butter and sugar wafting through the air, with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans and the sweet, creamy texture of caramelized sugar. Thatโs what you get with these classic New Orleans Pecan Pralines. Theyโre a true Southern treat, the kind that instantly makes you feel like youโre walking down the cobbled streets of the French Quarter, surrounded by the sounds of jazz and the warmth of Southern hospitality. These pralines are perfectly sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Whether youโre enjoying them as an after-dinner treat or gifting them to someone special, trust me, these pecan pralines are going to steal the show.
Why Youโll Love New Orleans Pecan Pralines
These pecan pralines are everything you want in a Southern candyโsweet, nutty, and perfectly satisfying. Hereโs why theyโre going to become a staple in your kitchen:
Rich, Buttery Goodness:
These pralines are made with butter, cream, and brown sugar, creating a velvety, caramelized sweetness thatโs just irresistible. The rich flavor is balanced perfectly with the crunch of toasted pecans.
Easy to Make:
If youโve ever been intimidated by candy-making, donโt worry! These pralines come together in a snap with just a few ingredients and simple steps. No candy thermometer requiredโjust heat, stir, and let them set.
Sweet, Nutty, and Perfectly Balanced:
With the pecans toasted to perfection and the candyโs creamy base, each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The texture is a little bit chewy, a little bit crunchyโjust the right mix.
A Taste of New Orleans:
Pralines are a classic New Orleans treat, and making them yourself lets you bring a taste of the Big Easy to your own kitchen. These are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or anyone who appreciates the magic of Southern sweets.
Homemade Gifts:
These pralines make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Pack them up in a pretty jar or box, and youโve got a charming, tasty gift that anyone will love!
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Ingredients
Hereโs everything youโll need to make these irresistible New Orleans-style pecan pralines:
Pecan Halves
The heart of the praline! Toasted pecans give these pralines their signature crunch and nutty flavor, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
Brown Sugar
For that rich, caramel-like sweetness thatโs essential to the flavor of a praline. Brown sugar gives the candy its signature depth and color.
Butter
You canโt have a great praline without butter! It adds richness and helps create the perfect creamy texture.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream brings that smooth, indulgent texture that gives pralines their melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla helps round out the flavor and adds that sweet, comforting aroma.
Salt
A pinch of salt is key to balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the praline. It really makes the caramelized sugar sing!
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Letโs walk through how to make these delicious, sweet, nutty pralines from scratch.
1. Prepare Your Pans:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is where your pralines will set, so be sure itโs ready to go before you start cooking the sugar mixture.
2. Toast the Pecans:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for 3-4 minutes, or until theyโre fragrant and lightly golden. Stir them often to avoid burning. Once toasted, set them aside.
3. Make the Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to bubble, let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and look smooth and glossy.
4. Stir in the Pecans:
Once the sugar mixture has reached the right consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the toasted pecans and vanilla extract. Mix until the pecans are evenly coated in the caramel-like syrup.
5. Drop the Pralines:
Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work quickly, as the pralines will start to set as they cool. You can make them as big or as small as you likeโjust try to keep them all roughly the same size.
6. Let Them Set:
Allow the pralines to cool and set for about 20-30 minutes at room temperature. They will firm up as they cool, and youโll be left with perfectly smooth, buttery pralines.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the pralines have cooled completely, theyโre ready to serve! Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve New Orleans Pecan Pralines
While these pralines are perfect on their own, here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
As a Sweet Snack:
Enjoy these pralines as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Their rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.
Perfect for Parties:
These pralines are a great addition to any dessert spread. Serve them on a tray with other sweets like chocolate truffles, mini tarts, or cupcakes for a delightful Southern-inspired dessert table.
Packaged as Gifts:
Wrap these pralines in cellophane or place them in a cute box or jar to give as gifts. Theyโre perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion!
With Ice Cream:
Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with crushed pecan pralines for a decadent dessert thatโs sure to wow your guests.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your pralines come out perfect every time:
Work Quickly:
Pralines set fast, so once youโve combined the ingredients, move quickly to drop them onto the parchment-lined tray. If the mixture starts to harden before youโre done, just heat it gently again to loosen it up.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
To get the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality pecans, and make sure your butter and cream are at room temperature before starting. This will help the sugar mixture come together more smoothly.
Adjust for Soft or Firm Pralines:
If you like your pralines a bit softer, cook the sugar mixture for a slightly shorter time. For firmer pralines, let the sugar mixture boil for a little longer before adding the pecans.
Store Properly:
To keep your pralines fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they get too soft in a humid climate, you can refrigerate them to firm them up.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these pralines ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can easily make these pralines ahead of time. Once theyโre cooled and set, store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Q2: Can I use another nut besides pecans?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, though pecans are traditional for New Orleans pralines and have the best texture.
Q3: My pralines are too softโwhat happened?
A3: If your pralines are too soft, it may be that the sugar mixture didnโt cook long enough. Try cooking it for an extra minute or two to achieve a firmer texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these pralines?
A4: Yes, pralines freeze well! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q5: How do I store leftover pralines?
A5: Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Theyโll stay fresh and delicious!
Conclusion
New Orleans Pecan Pralines are a quintessential Southern treat that combines rich, creamy caramelized sugar, crunchy toasted pecans, and a dash of vanilla. These pralines are easy to make, perfectly sweet, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether youโre serving them at a party, giving them as gifts, or just enjoying them yourself, these pralines will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans with every bite.
Print
New Orleans Pecan Pralines
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pralines
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
New Orleans Pecan Pralines are a delicious Southern candy made with creamy caramelized sugar, butter, and toasted pecans. These sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a must-have for anyone with a love for pecans and caramel!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, making sure to dissolve the sugar completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes, continuing to stir. You want the mixture to thicken slightly, reaching a soft ball stage (about 235ยฐF / 113ยฐC on a candy thermometer).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The baking soda will cause the mixture to bubble up, so be careful!
- Fold in the toasted pecans and stir to combine evenly.
- Quickly spoon heaping tablespoons of the praline mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone mat. You should be able to form about 12-15 pralines.
- Let the pralines cool and set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm but slightly soft in the center.
- Once cooled, remove the pralines from the parchment paper and enjoy your delicious New Orleans-style pralines!
Notes
- If you donโt have a candy thermometer, test the syrup by dropping a small spoonful into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, itโs ready.
- For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for extra warmth and spice.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- If the pralines seem too soft or sticky, you can place them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm them up further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg