Description
Discover the rich blend of vanilla and pecan in pralines crafting sweet nutty confections perfect for gifts or indulgent homemade treats
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream.
- Add butter and a pinch of salt; stir continuously as the mixture heats. Let it reach a rolling boil.
- Using a candy thermometer, cook the mixture until it reaches 238°F (the soft ball stage), about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Working quickly, drop spoonfuls onto the prepared parchment. Let them cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
Keep everything close—you’ll need to work fast once the mixture reaches the right temperature.
Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugars dissolve completely and mixture is smooth.
You’ll smell a rich caramel aroma—that’s the magic happening.
If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a bit into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball.
Stir vigorously until mixture thickens and starts to lose shine—generally 2-3 minutes.
Resist the urge to move them too soon—they firm up nicely once cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
Keywords: Vanilla pecan pralines, Southern candy, homemade pralines, pecan candy, vanilla sweets, Southern dessert
