Description
These Easy Vanilla Pecan Pralines are sweet, buttery, nutty, and full of warm vanilla flavor, making them a perfect easy dessert, holiday candy, edible gift, and quick sweet treat for anyone who loves classic Southern food ideas. Made with simple pantry ingredients and toasted pecans, this easy recipe creates creamy pralines that set beautifully and taste like something from a cozy candy shop.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and keep a spoon or small cookie scoop nearby.
2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts.
4. Bring the mixture to a steady boil and cook until it reaches 236°F to 238°F on a candy thermometer.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
6. Stir the mixture for 2 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and begins to lose some shine.
7. Quickly drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each praline.
8. Let the pralines cool at room temperature until firm, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer for the most reliable texture, since pralines need to reach the soft-ball stage to set properly.
Have your baking sheets ready before cooking because the praline mixture thickens quickly once it comes off the heat.
Toast the pecans before adding them for a deeper nutty flavor and a better finished candy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 28 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
Keywords: easy vanilla pecan pralines, pecan pralines, homemade pralines, Southern candy, easy dessert, holiday candy, edible gifts, sweet treats, food ideas