New Orleans Pecan Pralines Recipe

Introduction

New Orleans Pecan Pralines offer a sweet, buttery treat with a delightful crunch. These creamy confections are a Southern classic, perfect for sharing or savoring as a special dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 4 tbsp salted butter (cold)
• 2 cups pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk to a saucepan and cook over medium-high heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
2. Step 2: Once the candy thermometer reaches 236°F, remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and pecans. Continue stirring for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Drop about 1–2 tablespoons of the pecan mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Allow the pralines to sit for about 10 minutes to set before enjoying. This recipe should make about 16 pralines.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch. Toasting them lightly before adding will enhance the nuttiness.
• For a richer taste, substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of sea salt.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, cook the mixture until it reaches a soft-ball stage by dropping a small amount into cold water and checking its consistency.

Storage

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, place layers of parchment paper between pralines. If they become soft, let them sit at room temperature before serving; avoid refrigeration as it can alter the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw pecans?

Yes, roasted pecans add extra flavor and crunch, but be sure they are not salted if using salted butter, to avoid over-seasoning.

What if my pralines are too soft or too hard?

Pralines may be soft if undercooked or too hard if overcooked. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 236°F for the perfect texture. Slightly longer stirring after removing from heat also helps them set correctly.

New Orleans Pecan Pralines Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews

Classic New Orleans Pecan Pralines are rich, creamy, and sweet confections made with a blend of sugars, evaporated milk, butter, and toasted pecans. This traditional Southern candy boasts a smooth, fudge-like texture with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans, perfect for gifting or a sweet treat.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 pralines 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Praline Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 4 tbsp salted butter (cold)
• 2 cups pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cold salted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk. Place the pan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugars and prevent scorching.
2. Cook to soft ball stage: Continue cooking the mixture while stirring until a candy thermometer registers 236°F (soft ball stage). This ensures the right texture for the pralines.
3. Remove from heat and add flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and pecans. Stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes to cool the mixture slightly and begin to thicken it.
4. Form the pralines: Using a spoon, drop about 1-2 tablespoons of the pecan candy mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them apart to prevent sticking.
5. Set and enjoy: Allow the pralines to cool and set at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This recipe yields approximately 16 pralines.

Notes

• Use a reliable candy thermometer for accuracy in cooking temperature.
• Cold butter helps with the texture and setting of the pralines.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• For best flavor, use fresh pecans and consider lightly toasting them before adding.
• Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature; consume within a week for optimal freshness.

Keywords: New Orleans Pecan Pralines, Southern sweets, pecan candy, fudge pralines, classic pralines recipe