Description
These Old Fashioned Pecan Pralines combine butter, brown sugar and cream into a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth candy studded with crunchy pecans. A timeless Southern treat that’s rich, nutty and ready in just 15 minutes — perfect for holidays, gifting or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter – adds richness and ensures smooth candy base.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – gives deep caramel-flavor and color.
- ½ cup heavy cream – imparts creamy texture, helps set the pralines.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – boosts flavor and rounds out sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped – the star nut component, providing crunch and character.
- ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness and enhances the pecan flavour.
Instructions
- Prepare the pan – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cook the sugar mixture – In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat; stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil to soft-ball stage – Let mixture boil 5-6 minutes until it reaches ~234°F-240°F or when a small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.
- Add vanilla & pecans – Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, then immediately fold in chopped pecans.
- Shape the pralines – Drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Use good quality butter and fresh pecans for best flavour.
- Toast the pecans briefly if you like a deeper nutty taste.
- Humidity can affect setting — make sure mixture reaches correct temperature and cools fully.
- If mixture firms too quickly in the pan, you can add a teaspoon of very hot water and stir to loosen.
- Work quickly when spooning the pralines — once the mixture begins to set, it gets harder to shape.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop candy making
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: (approx) 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg