Homemade Buttermilk Pecan Pralines Recipe: Sweet Southern Delicacy

Sweet Southern charm meets nutty decadence in these classic buttermilk pecan pralines that dance with rich, caramelized elegance.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this traditional Southern confection with loving care and secret techniques.

The smooth, golden pralines melt deliciously on your tongue, promising pure indulgence in every single bite.

Pecans provide a delightful crunch against the silky, buttery caramel base that defines this beloved treat.

Each praline carries the warmth of Southern hospitality and generations of culinary tradition.

These delicate confections require patience and precision but reward you with a sublime candy experience.

Dive into this timeless Southern recipe and create a batch of pralines that will surely become a cherished family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 23

What You’ll Need For Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Buttermilk: Adds tangy richness and helps activate baking soda for smooth texture.
• Sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps create caramel-like consistency.
• Baking Soda: Helps mixture achieve perfect crystalline structure and balances buttermilk's acidity.

• Butter: Creates luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth richness and smooth caramel base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep aromatic undertones that complement nutty pecans.
• Pecans: Brings crunchy texture and deep, earthy nutty flavor to pralines.

• Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during cooling process.

Tools To Make Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for precise temperature tracking during the cooking process.
• Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Crucial for even heat distribution and preventing sugar from burning.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and beating the praline mixture without scratching the pan.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for cooling and setting the pralines.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents pralines from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.

How To Prepare Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Baking Sheet Preparation

Set up a smooth workspace with a baking sheet lined with non-stick surface for easy candy transfer.

• Sweet Mixture Creation

Combine creamy buttermilk, granulated sugar, rich butter, and baking soda in a sturdy saucepan. Heat gently while stirring, watching the ingredients meld and transform.

• Temperature Magic

Monitor the simmering concoction carefully with a candy thermometer. The mixture needs to reach a perfect golden point where chemistry turns liquid into delectable candy.

• Nutty Flavor Boost

Remove the hot mixture from heat. Fold in crunchy pecans and fragrant vanilla, letting the ingredients dance and blend their wonderful aromas.

• Texture Transformation

Vigorously stir the mixture with a wooden spoon. Watch it change from glossy liquid to creamy, thick praline goodness. This moment requires patience and rhythmic stirring.

• Praline Formation

Work quickly and confidently, dropping spoonfuls of the warm mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Each dollop becomes a delicate sweet treasure.

• Cooling and Enjoyment

Let the pralines rest and solidify at room temperature. They’ll gradually transform into crisp, melt-in-your-mouth treats ready for delighted munching.

Store Buttermilk Pecan Pralines The Right Way

• Flavor-Packed Storage Solutions: Keep your buttermilk pecan pralines at their delicious best with these smart tips.
• Airtight Container Magic: Store pralines in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Room temperature works perfectly for 5-7 days, maintaining their crisp texture and rich flavor.
• Freezer Preservation Trick: Wrap individual pralines in wax paper, then place inside a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months without losing their signature crunch or sweet buttermilk essence.
• Humidity Helper: Store pralines away from moisture and direct sunlight. A cool, dry pantry or kitchen cabinet provides the ideal environment to protect their delicate sugar structure and prevent softening.
• Temperature Wisdom: Keep pralines around 65-70°F to maintain their perfect consistency. Avoid refrigerating, which can introduce unwanted moisture and compromise their delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Tasty Tips For Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Perfect Praline Prowess: Expert Tips and Tasty Twists
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate sugar stage measurement. Even a few degrees can change the praline's texture from soft and creamy to grainy or hard.
• Pecan Power: Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to your pralines. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Humidity Helper: Choose a dry day for making pralines. High moisture can cause sugar to crystallize and create a grainy texture. Run a dehumidifier or air conditioner if needed.
• Quick Action Zone: Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting. Praline mixture sets quickly, so you'll need to work fast when dropping spoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
• Dietary Flex: For gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap regular butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains similar richness.

How To Serve Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Sweet Southern Sidekick: Pair these buttermilk pecan pralines with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
• Coffee Companion: Serve these pralines alongside a steaming cup of dark roast coffee or espresso, letting the nutty sweetness complement the rich coffee flavors.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package these pralines in beautiful cellophane bags tied with rustic ribbon for a homemade gift that shows extra love and Southern hospitality.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange pralines on a marble serving board with other bite-sized sweets like chocolate truffles and mini fruit tarts for an elegant after-dinner spread.

Smooth Buttermilk Pecan Pralines Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Southern buttermilk pecan pralines deliver a rich, creamy confection steeped in Louisiana culinary tradition. Crisp pecans and silky caramel create a classic sweet treat that delights you with authentic Southern charm.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (180 g / 6.3 oz) pecan halves or pieces
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) buttermilk
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for cooling pralines.
2. Mixture Creation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, blend buttermilk, sugar, baking soda, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely, forming a uniform mixture.
3. Boiling Stage: Elevate the mixture to a gentle rolling boil, maintaining constant movement with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. Attach a candy thermometer to monitor temperature progression carefully.
4. Temperature Precision: Cook until the mixture reaches exactly 235F (113C), signaling the critical soft-ball stage that determines praline texture and consistency.
5. Flavor Integration: Remove from heat and gently incorporate toasted pecans and vanilla extract, allowing ingredients to meld seamlessly.
6. Transformative Beating: Let mixture rest briefly, then vigorously beat with a wooden spoon until the glossy surface disappears and the texture becomes matte and slightly thickened.
7. Portioning and Setting: Quickly drop rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, creating uniform pralines. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until firm and easily removable.

Notes

• Control Cooking Temperature: Precise heat management is crucial; use a reliable candy thermometer and keep the heat at a steady medium to prevent burning or undercooking the sugar mixture.
• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir continuously and avoid scraping the sides of the pan during cooking to ensure smooth, creamy pralines without grainy texture.
• Quick Beating Technique: Beat the mixture immediately after removing from heat, working rapidly to achieve the perfect consistency before it starts to harden.
• Moisture Management: Work in a low-humidity environment, as excess moisture can affect the pralines’ texture and ability to set properly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg