Pecan Pralines: 27 Irresistible Southern Sweet Treats

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Pecan Pralines are a buttery, caramel-y, melt-in-your-mouth cookie or candy that perfectly embodies the spirit of Southern desserts. This delightful treat features toasted pecans enveloped in a creamy, fudgy candy that is simply irresistible. As a classic New Orleans confectionery, Pecan Pralines are perfect for holiday celebrations or as homemade gifts that truly impress. With a few easy ingredients, you can create these delicious pecan sweet treats that are bound to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pralines

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Pecan Pralines. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a simple yet decadent pecan dessert recipe. Second, their unique combination of crunchy pecans and creamy caramel creates a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Third, these pralines are perfect for sharing as gifts during the holidays, bringing a touch of Southern charm to any gathering. Fourth, they can be customized to your taste, whether you want to add chocolate or experiment with different nuts. Fifth, they store well, meaning you can prepare them ahead of time! Lastly, homemade pecan pralines are far superior to store-bought, ensuring your sweet tooth is satisfied with the freshest ingredients.

Ingredients for Pecan Pralines

Gather these items:

4 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed)
1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda (sifted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecans (toasted)

How to Make Pecan Pralines Step-by-Step

Step 1: Toast pecans at 350°F for about 5 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
Step 2: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Grease a heavy pot with butter over medium-low heat.
Step 4: Add heavy cream to the pot.
Step 5: Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring gently.
Step 6: Add corn syrup, lemon juice, and salt.
Step 7: Stir slowly over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
Step 8: Ensure mixture is smooth by rubbing between fingers to check for graininess.
Step 9: Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil.
Step 10: Do not stir once boiling; let it boil for 3-7 minutes.
Step 11: Use a candy thermometer to check for 236°F.
Step 12: Remove from heat and let cool on a rack.
Step 13: Allow candy to sit undisturbed for 20-40 minutes until it cools to 115°F.
Step 14: Add baking soda and vanilla extract, stirring for 3 minutes.
Step 15: Stir in toasted pecans.
Step 16: Keep stirring until the mixture reaches 105-110°F.
Step 17: Drop a teaspoon onto parchment to test consistency.
Step 18: When it looks opaque, start dropping pralines onto the sheets.
Step 19: If too glossy, stir the pot again.
Step 20: Continue dropping until all candy is used, yielding about 27-30 pralines.
Step 21: Let cool completely for 20-30 minutes.
Step 22: Store tightly sealed at room temperature.
Step 23: Freeze individually wrapped pralines for longer shelf life.
Step 24: To serve from frozen, thaw for 2-3 hours at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pralines

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for best results.
Monitor the temperature closely to avoid crystallization.
Wrap pralines individually for freshness.
To ensure a creamy texture, don’t skip the stirring step after adding the baking soda and vanilla.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Pralines

These Pecan Pralines are delicious on their own, but there are extra ways to elevate their appeal. First, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Second, they pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate, making them a perfect companion for cozy evenings. Lastly, for a twist, try drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled pralines for a decadent addition.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pralines

To keep your Pecan Pralines fresh, store them tightly sealed at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as it can dry them out. If you want to make these pralines ahead of time, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each praline individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored like this for up to two months, maintaining their chewy texture. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 2-3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pralines

What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Pralines?

The secret to perfect Pecan Pralines lies in the temperature control and the stirring process. Ensuring that the sugar is completely dissolved before boiling and stirring after adding the baking soda is crucial for achieving a creamy texture without crystallization.

Can I make Pecan Pralines ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Pecan Pralines can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for later enjoyment. They are a fantastic treat to prepare in advance for holiday gatherings!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pecan Pralines?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you do not stir the mixture once it begins to boil, as this can cause crystallization. Also, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely, and be patient during the cooling process before dropping the pralines onto the parchment paper.

Variations of Pecan Pralines You Can Try

There are several delightful variations of Pecan Pralines you can explore. For instance, consider making Pecan Pralines with chocolate by drizzling melted chocolate over the top or incorporating chocolate chips into the mixture. Another variation is to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist. You can even experiment with using other nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a unique flavor profile!

For more delicious dessert recipes, check out our Best Zucchini Bread Recipe or Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies. If you’re interested in more Southern treats, you might enjoy our Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese or Irresistible Korean Mexican Shrimp. For a unique twist, try our No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies.

For more information on the history of pralines, you can visit The Spruce Eats.