Description
This Easy Vanilla Pecan Pralines recipe offers a delightful Southern confection featuring toasted pecans coated in a creamy, caramelized sugar mixture with a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a sweet treat or gift, these pralines are simple to make and set quickly, providing a rich, buttery, and crunchy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pecans: Toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Praline Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the butter has fully melted and the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the sugar mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Allow it to cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage of 235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer, which ensures the right consistency for the pralines.
- Add Pecans and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Quickly stir in the toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly to coat the pecans evenly within the caramelized sugary base.
- Form the Pralines: Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Leave space between each to allow for spreading. Let them cool and harden for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the pralines have fully set, they are ready to eat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to retain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage for the perfect praline texture.
- Make sure to stir constantly once boiling to avoid burning the sugar.
- You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts if desired.
- Store pralines in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming sticky.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract and unsalted butter.
