Southern Pecan Pralines
Learn how to make Southern pralines, a classic candy with a delicious caramel flavor and crunchy pecans. They're irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp unsalted butter for the pan
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Have all ingredients ready and place a sheet of wax paper or parchment on the counter.
- Butter the sides (inside) of a large, heavy saucepan. Attach a candy thermometer.1 tsp unsalted butter for the pan
- Add the sugars, evaporated milk or half-and-half, corn syrup, and salt to the pan and place it over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it comes to a full boil, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer. Or test for soft-ball stage. (see the notes)1 cup packed brown sugar | 1 cup granulated sugar | 3/4 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half | 1 tbsp corn syrup | 1/4 tsp salt
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter and vanilla without stirring, and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.2 tbsp unsalted butter | 1 tsp vanilla
- Add the pecans and stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the mixture appears to thicken and loses its gloss.1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- Working quickly, use a tablespoon to spoon mounds of candy mixture onto the wax paper or parchment and let them cool until firm. If the mixture has firmed up too much, add a splash of hot water, place it back over low heat and stir until it loosens again. Continue dropping onto the paper.
- Let the pralines cool until firm.
Tip: Once the mixture loses its gloss and starts to thicken, work quickly when dropping the pralines.
Notes
How to Test for Soft-Ball Stage
Drop a small amount of the boiled mixture into cold water. If the candy is ready, it will form a small ball that will flatten slightly when picked up on a finger. If not, continue boiling and check again in a minute or two.
Nutrition
Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 36mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 0.2mg
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
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