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New Orleans Pecan Pralines 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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