Description
Indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of Southern Vanilla Pecan Pralines with this easy-to-follow recipe. These creamy, buttery sweets feature the perfect blend of vanilla and crunchy pecans, delivering a classic Southern treat that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
Praline Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure and set out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process, including granulated sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Sugar and Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the granulated sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and prevent burning—this mixture will form the base of your pralines.
- Cook Mixture: Allow the sugar and cream mixture to come to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a soft-ball stage (approximately 238°F/114°C) on a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes. This ensures the pralines will have the right texture.
- Add Butter, Vanilla, and Salt: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted, followed by the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mixing at this point incorporates rich flavor and smoothness.
- Mix in Pecans: Quickly fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sugary mixture.
- Cool and Shape: Spoon dollops of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a greased surface. Let them cool and set at room temperature for at least 20 minutes until firm but slightly soft in the center.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Salted butter can be used if unsalted butter is unavailable, but omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.
- Almond extract can replace vanilla extract for a delightful flavor variation.
- Walnuts may be substituted for pecans if desired.
- Pralines are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within a week for optimal freshness.
