Description
These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are smooth, creamy, and rich with buttery sweetness and toasted pecans. A classic Southern candy that melts in your mouth with each bite, they’re the perfect treat for holiday gifts, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecan halves (preferably toasted)
1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and measure all ingredients in advance.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter.
3. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
4. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage).
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and pecan halves.
6. Continue stirring for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to lose its gloss.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool at room temperature until firm.
Notes
Toasting the pecans before stirring them in enhances flavor and crunch.
Stirring while the mixture cools helps prevent sugar crystallization and keeps the pralines creamy.
Work quickly when dropping spoonfuls—once the mixture starts to set, it becomes less manageable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pralines, pecan candy, southern candy, vanilla, holiday treats