Southern Pecan Pralines
Learn how to make Southern pralines, a classic candy with a delicious caramel flavor and a crunchy pecan-filled center. They're irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, for the pan
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk, or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
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.
- Add the sugars, milk, 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.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter and vanilla without stirring, and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the pecans and stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the mixture appears to thicken and begins to lose its glossiness.
- Working quickly, spoon the candy onto the paper and let it cool until firm. If the mixture firms up too much, add a splash of hot water and place it back over the still-warm burner and stir until it loosens up again. Continue dropping onto the paper.
- Let the pralines cool until firm.
- Enjoy!
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!