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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for cooling pralines.
- 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.
- 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.
- Temperature Precision: Cook until the mixture reaches exactly 235F (113C), signaling the critical soft-ball stage that determines praline texture and consistency.
- Flavor Integration: Remove from heat and gently incorporate toasted pecans and vanilla extract, allowing ingredients to meld seamlessly.
- 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.
- 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