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Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Emily Grace
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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Servings 20 Pieces
Calories 160 kcal

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.
Keyword Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe