Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe
A delightful and irresistible Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe that captures the essence of tradition in each sweet and nutty bite. It is a classic candy mixture that’s heavenly and embodies the sweet Southern charm and hospitality of the South.
I’ve been eating this homemade candy since I was a little girl. My aunt always made these for our Christmas gathering every year, and I always looked forward to eating as many as I could hold. The anticipation of these pralines became a part of our family’s Christmas festivities. The buttery caramel and the crunchy pecans made these the best southern pecan pralines I have ever eaten. If you have never enjoyed trying this wonderful pecan praline candy, you are in for a treat.
This is a relatively easy recipe but does require some attention to the timing of the sugar mixture. As long as you have a candy thermometer, this recipe will surely be a success. The hard part is waiting for these candies to come to room temperature, which may take an hour or longer to set. You will want to keep this recipe handy in your recipe box.
Be sure to try my Sour Cream Candied Pecans for another easy candied pecans recipe.
What Are Pecan Pralines?
Pecan Pralines are made by combining brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and pecans. The mixture is typically cooked to a specific temperature (soft-ball stage) to achieve a creamy and soft texture. The cooked mixture is spooned onto parchment paper, where it hardens as it cools. They are popular in the South and can be found in candy shops, markets, and stores with abundant pecans. With this recipe, you, too, can have homemade pecan pralines to enjoy as a treat, snack, or make for a homemade gift.
A candy store in Texas sells chewy pecan pralines, and I have heard they are wonderful. Many people visit Lamme’s Candies to get a sample of their Texas chewy pralines, and the next time I am in Texas, I plan to make a stop and sample a few myself. But until then, I plan to keep my sweet tooth satisfied with this homemade pecan praline recipe.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Making this creamy southern candy is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers. It’s not just about crafting a treat; it’s about following tradition and a time-honored dessert that so many love.
Southern Tradition: This dessert is infused with Southern hospitality. Even if you are not from the South, you can still enjoy this homemade treat in your home.
Nostalgic Tradition: These pralines have a way of bringing back those childhood memories and invoking a sense of nostalgia with each bite.
Gifts From the Heart: Homemade pralines would make a delightful gift for your friends and family. Wrap them up nicely and give them away.
Homemade Goodness: Treat your friends and family with this homemade treat. A tray of these treats would make a delightful addition to a dessert table.
Savor the Sweetness: Slow down and savor the flavors as you bite into one of these pralines. Life moves at a fast pace; make each bite count.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients are simple and come together to create the perfect texture and flavors. You can find these items in your local grocery store. For a complete list of amounts, see the printable recipe card below.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is the sweetener in this recipe, and the molasses flavor enhances the depth of the pralines.
Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to this dessert. Using evaporated milk results in a creamier texture.
Pecans: Pecans are the star of the show, providing a rich and nutty flavor. They add texture to the pralines.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness and compliments the other ingredients.
How To Make Pecan Praline Candy
This candy comes together quickly. As a tip, have your ingredients and materials ready before you begin.
- Mix all the ingredients except the vanilla in a heavy saucepan and cook over medium to medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Insert the candy thermometer and cook over medium heat until soft ball stage (240) degrees, stirring constantly.
- Let the candy cool slightly, about 5 minutes; add vanilla, and stir until mixture slightly thickens about 5 minutes.
- Drop candy from a teaspoon/tablespoon onto parchment paper.
- Allow enough time to cool and set before serving.
Using a Candy Thermometer
Getting the main ingredients to the correct temperature is crucial to making these candies. You will need a candy thermometer to ensure you are at the right temperature to make these pralines successful. This stage indicates that the sugar syrup has reached a concentration where it forms a soft and pliable ball when a small amount is dropped into cold water.
Best Time to Serve Pralines
These pralines can be served anywhere and in various settings. There is no wrong place for a tray of these goodies to show up. They are always a crowd pleaser and enjoyed by all. Here are a few perfect places to serve this candy:
Holiday Gathering: Add a tray of these candies to your dessert table and watch how fast they disappear. They are perfect for the holiday season.
Dinner Party: This is an amazing dessert for your guests to walk by and grab for an after-dinner dessert.
Bridal Showers: These work nicely on a dessert table, and the simple presentation makes them perfect for any occasion.
Coffee Corner: Set a tray of these down around the coffee pot and watch them disappear. They are fantastic with a cup of coffee- even in the morning.
Family and Friends: These are always welcomed at a family reunion or gathering.
How To Store
Properly storing these pecan pralines will maintain their freshness and texture. Place them in a zip-top bag in a flat layer. If you need to stack them, separate each layer with parchment paper. You might also find an airtight container for the pralines. You might also warp in plastic wrap if transporting to a holiday party.
Recipe Tips for the Best Pralines
- Prepare all ingredients in advance. Measure all ingredients before starting the cooking process. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. This is a great recipe and makes delicious nutty pralines.
- Line your countertop or baking sheet with parchment or wax paper before you begin cooking.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure you are reaching the correct temperature. This is crucial for the texture of the pralines.
- Timing Matters, so be aware of the cooking times, heat, and temperatures.
- Allow the pralines time to set before serving. This could take an hour or two before the set is complete.
- I prefer to use a wooden spoon to stir the hot caramel.
- If the first one you spoon out runs, don’t worry. This is normal; stir a bit and let the mixture cool and thicken a little more before spooning out the next one. They will run a bit, so space accordingly.
- You will need to work reasonably quickly.
Recipe Variations
- Use a variety of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
- Dip cooled pralines in chocolate.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the mixture for a warm, sweet taste.
Gifting Southern Pecan Pralines
Recipe FAQs
A good pecan praline has the right balance of sweetness and creaminess.
These delightful treats stay fresh for up to two weeks or longer if stored correctly in an airtight container.
There is no need to refrigerate these tasty treats. They will be fine left on the kitchen counter. If your home is warm, you might consider storing them in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can customize these pralines with different nuts. I like to do a batch with pecans and a batch with walnuts.
More Southern Dessert Recipes
More Southern Recipes
Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions
Southern Pecan Pralines Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Light Brown Sugar
- ¾ cup Evaporated Milk
- 2 cups Pecans halves
- 1½ teaspoons Vanilla
Instructions
- Spread parchment paper out onto the counter.
- Mix all the ingredients except vanilla in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.
- Insert the candy thermometer and continue to cook over medium heat until soft ball stage (240) degrees, stirring constantly.
- Let the candy cool slightly, about 5 minutes; add vanilla, and stir until mixture slightly thickens about 5 minutes.
- Drop candy from teaspoon/tablespoon onto parchment paper. If the first one you spoon out runs, don't worry. This is normal; stir a bit and let the mixture cool and thicken a little more before spooning out the next one. They will run a bit, so space accordingly. You will need to work fairly quickly. See Notes.
- Allow to cool completely before serving. This may take up to an hour or two for the candy to set.
