Buttery, Caramelized Southern Candies with Toasted Pecans
These New Orleans Pralines are a classic Southern treat—creamy, sweet, and loaded with toasted pecans in every bite. Made with just 7 ingredients, they’re easier than you think and taste like they came straight from a French Quarter candy shop!
Perfect for gift-giving, holiday trays, or a sweet snack, these pralines are ready in under 30 minutes.
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pralines:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar (adds molasses depth)
- ½ cup whole milk (for creaminess)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for richness)
- 1½ cups pecan halves (toasted for best flavor)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Toast Pecans
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 3–5 mins until fragrant.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Don’t skip toasting—it enhances the nutty flavor!
2️⃣ Cook the Sugar Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugars and milk. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add butter and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- Cook to 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
📌 Pro Tip:
- No thermometer? Test by dropping a bit into cold water—it should form a soft ball.
3️⃣ Finish the Pralines
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in pecans, vanilla, and salt.
- Vigorously stir 1–2 mins until thickened and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment, spacing apart.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Work fast—the mixture hardens quickly!
4️⃣ Cool & Serve
- Let set at room temp 30–60 mins until firm.
- Store in an airtight container (up to 2 weeks).
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Package in cellophane bags for gifts!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are my pralines grainy?
- Sugar didn’t dissolve fully (stir well at the start).
- Over-stirred after cooking (just mix until creamy).
2. Can I use evaporated milk?
✅ Yes! Replace with ½ cup evaporated milk + 2 tbsp water.
3. How do I fix too-soft pralines?
- Recook to 238°F (114°C) if undercooked.
4. Can I make these without a thermometer?
✅ Yes! Use the cold water test (soft-ball stage).
5. How long do they last?
- Room temp: Up to 2 weeks (store airtight).
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (thaw at room temp).
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
- Coconut Pralines: Add ½ cup toasted coconut.
- Spiced: Stir in ½ tsp cinnamon + pinch of cayenne.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Prep all ingredients before starting (timing is crucial!).
✔ Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning.
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Mardi Gras celebrations
- Christmas cookie trays
- Southern-themed parties
💬 Final Thoughts
These New Orleans Pralines are crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and packed with buttery pecans—just like the French Quarter’s best! The vanilla and brown sugar add depth, while the toasted pecans give the perfect crunch.
Warning: You’ll want to make a double batch! 🎭🍬
Tried them? Share your pics below! 📸👇
