Description
Vanilla Pecan Pralines are rich, buttery Southern-style candies featuring toasted pecans enveloped in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla fudge coating. Perfect for gifting, holidays, or a sweet homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves (lightly toasted)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and milk. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to boil.
- Continue boiling the mixture without stirring until it reaches 235–240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 10–12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately add butter and vanilla. Stir until butter is melted.
- Add the toasted pecans and stir vigorously until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Don’t overmix or it will set too fast.
- Quickly spoon onto the prepared baking sheet in heaping tablespoons, leaving space between each praline.
- Let cool completely at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until set.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for best results. Temperature control is key.
- If mixture sets too fast, return to low heat briefly to soften.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: vanilla pecan pralines, Southern candy, holiday treats, homemade pralines, butter pecan fudge, traditional sweets