Heavenly Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe: Sweet Southern Delight!

Sweet Southern charm meets indulgent confectionery in these classic vanilla pecan pralines that melt seamlessly on your tongue.

Rich, buttery pecans dance with creamy sugar in a traditional New Orleans treat.

Each bite tells a story of culinary heritage and warm hospitality.

These pralines offer a luxurious escape into Southern comfort.

Crafted with simple ingredients, they require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

The delicate balance of vanilla and caramelized nuts creates an irresistible candy that will become your new favorite dessert.

Prepare to be transported by this delectable Southern delicacy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 207 kcal

Servings: 17

Stuff You’ll Need For Vanilla Pecan Pralines

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the primary sweetness and helps create the smooth, glossy texture of pralines.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like depth and moisture to the candy mixture.
• Milk: Creates a creamy consistency and helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing.

• Butter: Brings a luxurious richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet, nutty profile of the pralines.

• Pecan Halves: Delivers a delightful nutty crunch and earthy flavor, perfectly toasting to enhance their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities. Choose fresh, plump pecans with a deep golden color and no signs of rancidity for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Tools For Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for precise temperature monitoring during candy-making.
• Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Crucial for even heat distribution and preventing sugar from burning.
• Dry Skillet: Perfect for toasting pecans and bringing out their rich, nutty flavor.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for cooling and setting the pralines.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents pralines from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Great for stirring the candy mixture and coating pecans.
• Spoon: Used for dropping praline mixture onto the baking sheet.

Easy Guide To Cook Vanilla Pecan Pralines

• Toasty Nutty Foundation

Gather your skillet and let the pecans dance over medium heat. Swirl them around until they release a rich, warm aroma that fills your kitchen with Southern charm. These nuts will be the heart of your praline adventure.

• SugaryAlchemy

In a sturdy saucepan, blend granulated and brown sugars with milk and butter. Watch the mixture transform as it bubbles and swirls, reaching a golden temperature that signals candy magic is happening.

• Flavor Explosion

Pull the pan from the heat and introduce vanilla and those perfectly toasted pecans. Stir with love, coating each nut in a silky sweet embrace that whispers Southern hospitality.

• Praline Performance

Work quickly and confidently, dropping spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto a prepared surface. Each dollop is a masterpiece of caramel and nut perfection, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Patient Perfection

Allow your pralines to cool and set, transforming from molten magic to delicate candied treasures. Give them time to solidify, a sweet reminder that good things come to those who wait.

How To Customize Vanilla Pecan Pralines

• Pecan Praline Perfection: Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
• Moisture Magic: Prevent pralines from becoming grainy by ensuring your sugar dissolves completely before bringing the mixture to a boil. Humidity can affect sugar crystallization, so choose a dry day for candy-making.
• Texture Trick: Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Stainless steel or copper pans work best for precise temperature control during candy preparation.
• Dietary Twist: Create gluten-free pralines by double-checking all ingredients for potential gluten contamination. For a lower-sugar version, experiment with sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with flavor variations by adding a pinch of sea salt, a dash of bourbon, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the basic recipe. Swap pecans with toasted almonds or macadamia nuts for a unique spin on the classic treat.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep pralines in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their perfect texture and prevent melting.

How To Plate Vanilla Pecan Pralines Nicely

• Southern Hospitality Platter: Arrange pralines on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves, creating a charming Southern-style dessert presentation that showcases their golden-brown beauty.
• Sweet Gifting Delight: Package pralines in clear cellophane bags tied with burlap ribbons, perfect for hostess gifts, holiday sharing, or thoughtful homemade treats that make people smile.
• Coffee Companion Break: Serve pralines alongside a steaming cup of dark roast coffee or espresso, allowing the rich pecan sweetness to complement the robust coffee flavors for a delightful afternoon indulgence.
• Dessert Topping Magic: Crumble pralines over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or warm apple pie to add a crunchy, caramelized nutty layer that elevates simple desserts with Southern charm.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Storage And Prep Tips

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Spread pralines on the lined baking sheet with enough space between each piece to ensure faster setting and prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration Option: For faster hardening, place pralines in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes after initial cooling at room temperature, which helps achieve a firmer texture.
• Container Selection: Use a flat, airtight glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption, keeping pralines crisp and delicious.
• Layering Technique: When storing multiple pralines, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from clumping together or breaking during storage.

Buttery Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Southern pralines, a classic Creole vanilla pecan pralines recipe, blend sweet caramelized sugar with buttery pecans. Rich Louisiana confections deliver rich, creamy indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g / 7 oz) pecan halves, toasted
• 1 ½ cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) whole milk
• 2 tsps vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to create a smooth cooling surface for pralines.
2. Pecan Toasting: Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until a rich, nutty aroma develops. Transfer toasted pecans to a separate dish.
3. Candy Base Creation: Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring intermittently to ensure even melting and prevent scorching.
4. Temperature Monitoring: Allow sugar syrup to reach a rolling boil without disturbing the mixture. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking until the temperature precisely hits 235F (112C), indicating the soft-ball stage.
5. Flavor Infusion: Remove saucepan from heat and swiftly introduce vanilla extract. Fold in toasted pecans with gentle motions, ensuring complete coating with glossy caramel mixture.
6. Shaping and Setting: Quickly drop generous dollops onto the prepared baking sheet using a spoon. Allow pralines to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, developing their signature smooth, crystalline texture.
7. Storage: Transfer completely cooled pralines to an airtight container, preserving their delicate crunch and rich flavor for up to one week at room temperature.

Notes

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Dry-roast nuts in a skillet just until fragrant, moving them constantly to prevent burning and unlock deeper, richer nutty flavors without scorching.
• Control Sugar Syrup Precisely: Watch candy thermometer closely, removing from heat exactly at 235F to achieve smooth, creamy praline texture without crystallization or hardening.
• Work Swiftly During Shaping: Drop praline mixture onto parchment immediately after adding vanilla, as the caramel sets quickly and determines the final candy’s smooth or grainy consistency.
• Store Strategically: Keep pralines in single layers between parchment paper in an airtight container, preventing moisture absorption and maintaining their delicate crunch for maximum freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 207
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 18 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg