Description
These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a sweet, nutty, and creamy treat with the perfect balance of vanilla and toasted pecans. Easy to make and perfect for gift-giving or enjoying as a decadent snack! 🍬🌰 #PecanPralines #VanillaPralines #CandyRecipes #HomemadeCandies #SweetTreats #PecanDesserts #EasyDesserts #ChristmasCandies
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pecan Praline Mixture:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the butter is fully melted.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a soft ball stage (about 235°F/113°C on a candy thermometer).
- Add the Vanilla and Pecans:
- Once the mixture has reached the soft ball stage, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Add the pecans to the mixture and stir to combine. The mixture will begin to thicken as it cools.
- Shape the Pralines:
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone baking mat. Work quickly, as the pralines will start to firm up as they cool.
- Allow the pralines to set for 20-30 minutes or until they are firm and fully cooled.
- Serve:
- Once the pralines have cooled and set, serve them immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Make sure to use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings. If you don’t have one, test the soft ball stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft ball when rolled between your fingers.
- If you like a smoother texture, you can pulse the pecans in a food processor before adding them to the praline mixture.
- These pralines can also be made with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, but pecans are traditional for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Blending, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg