Do you like sweet candies that melt in your mouth? Then you will love this Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe. These candies taste buttery and nutty with a soft crunch from toasted pecans.
The vanilla gives them a sweet and smooth flavor. You can make them easily with simple things in your kitchen.
This recipe has that classic southern praline taste that people love. They are great for holidays, parties or gifts. Once you eat one, you will want more. Let’s learn how to make these tasty pralines at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe for the first time during Christmas. My whole kitchen smelled like sugar and vanilla. Everyone kept asking what I was cooking.
When they cooled, the pralines were soft, sweet and crunchy. I gave some to my family as gifts and they loved them. I like that this recipe is easy.
You don’t need special tools or skills. You just need to be a little patient. Every bite feels warm and comforting. It’s now one of my favorite homemade sweets.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Vanilla Pecan Pralines
- Servings: 20 pieces
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Dessert / Candy
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 160 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Vanilla Pecan Pralines
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups pecan halves (toasted)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A small pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Guide
- Toast the Pecans
Put pecans in a pan and toast for 5 minutes. Stir often so they don’t burn. - Prepare the Baking Sheet
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. It will stop the pralines from sticking. - Mix the Sugars
Add white and brown sugar to a saucepan. Stir until they are mixed well. - Add Cream and Milk
Pour in the cream and milk. Stir until smooth and blended together. - Add Butter and Salt
Add the butter and a small pinch of salt. Cook until the butter melts. - Boil the Mixture
Let it boil slowly. Stir all the time so it doesn’t burn at the bottom. - Check the Temperature
Use a candy thermometer. When it reaches 235°F, it’s ready. - Remove from Heat
Take the pan off the stove and rest it for 1 minute. - Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla. It gives a rich and smooth flavor. - Mix in the Pecans
Add toasted pecans to the pan. Stir quickly to coat them all. - Beat the Mixture
Beat the mix with a wooden spoon until thick and creamy. - Drop Spoonfuls on Sheet
Spoon small drops on the parchment paper. Work fast before it hardens. - Shape Them Evenly
Shape them round and neat. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect. - Let Them Cool
Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until firm. - Check the Texture
They should be firm but soft inside, not sticky. - Taste One
Try one when it’s cool. It will taste buttery and nutty. - Store the Rest
Put them in an airtight box to keep them fresh. - Share with Family
Serve them with coffee, tea or after dinner. Everyone will enjoy them. - Gift Them
Pack them in small boxes. They make lovely homemade gifts. - Enjoy Anytime
Eat one whenever you want something sweet and tasty.
Tips to Make the Best Vanilla Pecan Pralines
- Use fresh pecans for the best taste.
- Toast the pecans to bring out their flavor.
- Don’t overcook the sugar; it can become grainy.
- Work fast once it thickens; it hardens quickly.
- Use real vanilla for the best flavor.
- If it’s too thin, beat it longer before shaping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t stop stirring while cooking, or it may burn.
- Don’t add vanilla too early; it can lose its taste.
- Don’t wait too long to spoon it out; it will set.
- Don’t use very high heat; slow cooking works best.
- Don’t make pralines when it’s humid; they get sticky.
Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Pecan Pralines taste good in many ways:
- Eat them with tea or coffee after dinner.
- Crush them and sprinkle over ice cream.
- Serve them with chocolate desserts.
- Add them to dessert trays for parties.
- Give them as sweet gifts to friends or guests.
Variations You Can Try
- Chocolate Pralines: Add a spoon of cocoa powder.
- Maple Pralines: Use maple extract instead of vanilla.
- Coconut Pralines: Add shredded coconut for a new flavor.
- Salted Pralines: Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Spiced Pralines: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store pralines in a sealed jar at room temperature for 2 weeks.
- Keep them away from moisture to stop them from sticking.
- To freeze, wrap each praline in wax paper and seal in a bag.
- Let them sit for 20 minutes after taking from the freezer.
- Don’t microwave them; it ruins the texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
Health Benefits
Even though these candies are sweet, they have some good sides too:
- Pecans have healthy fats and fiber.
- They have antioxidants that help your heart.
- Vanilla helps you feel calm and happy.
- A small piece can stop big sugar cravings.
- Homemade candies are cleaner than store-bought ones.
Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups pecan halves toasted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A small pinch of salt
Instructions
Toast the Pecans
- Put pecans in a pan and toast for 5 minutes. Stir often so they don’t burn.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. It will stop the pralines from sticking.
Mix the Sugars
- Add white and brown sugar to a saucepan. Stir until they are mixed well.
Add Cream and Milk
- Pour in the cream and milk. Stir until smooth and blended together.
Add Butter and Salt
- Add the butter and a small pinch of salt. Cook until the butter melts.
Boil the Mixture
- Let it boil slowly. Stir all the time so it doesn’t burn at the bottom.
Check the Temperature
- Use a candy thermometer. When it reaches 235°F, it’s ready.
Remove from Heat
- Take the pan off the stove and rest it for 1 minute.
Add Vanilla Extract
- Mix in the vanilla. It gives a rich and smooth flavor.
Mix in the Pecans
- Add toasted pecans to the pan. Stir quickly to coat them all.
Beat the Mixture
- Beat the mix with a wooden spoon until thick and creamy.
Drop Spoonfuls on Sheet
- Spoon small drops on the parchment paper. Work fast before it hardens.
Shape Them Evenly
- Shape them round and neat. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect.
Let Them Cool
- Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until firm.
Check the Texture
- They should be firm but soft inside, not sticky.
Taste One
- Try one when it’s cool. It will taste buttery and nutty.
Store the Rest
- Put them in an airtight box to keep them fresh.
Share with Family
- Serve them with coffee, tea or after dinner. Everyone will enjoy them.
Gift Them
- Pack them in small boxes. They make lovely homemade gifts.
Enjoy Anytime
- Eat one whenever you want something sweet and tasty.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for the best taste.
- Toast the pecans to bring out their flavor.
- Don’t overcook the sugar; it can become grainy.
- Work fast once it thickens; it hardens quickly.
- Use real vanilla for the best flavor.
- If it’s too thin, beat it longer before shaping.
FAQs about Vanilla Pecan Pralines
1. How can I make Vanilla Pecan Pralines perfectly?
Cook slowly, stir often and remove from heat when it reaches 235°F. Work fast before it sets.
2. Why are my pralines grainy?
They turn grainy if overcooked or not stirred while cooling. Keep stirring until smooth.
3. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds or cashews. But pecans give the best flavor.
4. Can I make pralines without a thermometer?
Yes. Drop a little syrup into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
5. How long can I keep Vanilla Pecan Pralines?
They stay fresh for two weeks if kept in a dry, sealed container.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe is sweet, soft and full of flavor. It’s very easy to make and looks beautiful. The mix of butter, sugar and toasted pecans tastes amazing.
You can enjoy them at home, give them to friends, or serve them at parties. The steps are simple and the result is perfect every time.
Once you make them, they’ll become your favorite homemade candy. So grab your pan and make a batch today. Your kitchen will smell lovely and your family will love you for it!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!