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Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

This Vanilla Pecan Pralines recipe creates rich, creamy, and crunchy pecan candies infused with a smooth vanilla flavor. Toasted pecans are combined with a buttery caramelized sugar mixture to make a classic Southern treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect as a sweet snack or gift, these pralines are easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Pralines Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves, toasted
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them for 5–7 minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before using.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
  3. Boil to Soft Ball Stage: Let the mixture boil without stirring for approximately 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and reaches 235°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Test Consistency: Carefully drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball that flattens easily once removed. This indicates the correct consistency for the praline base.
  5. Add Flavor and Nuts: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled toasted pecans. Stir briskly until the mixture thickens and starts to hold its shape.
  6. Shape Pralines: Spoon the mixture onto parchment paper in small round shapes. Let them cool and set at room temperature for about 15 minutes until firm.

Notes

  • Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement to ensure proper texture.
  • For best results, toast pecans just before making pralines to maximize flavor and crunch.
  • If pralines become too hard, slightly undercook in boiling step next time or add a splash more cream.
  • Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within one week.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla pecan pralines, Southern pralines, homemade pralines, pecan candy, vanilla candy, classic sweets

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/vanilla-pecan-pralines-recipe/