Cajun & Creole Free recipe

Pecan Pralines

There is a reason Pecan Pralines shows up on repeat in this kitchen: creamy, sweet pecan candy that melts in your mouth. Plan on roughly 40 minutes from start to finish, and it serves 16.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Total: 40 min

40Minutes

16Servings

4.6Rating

MediumLevel

Why you'll love this recipe

The components can be made ahead and reheated without losing quality.
Scales up easily for a crowd -- just multiply the ingredients.
Leftovers hold up well for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Makes 16 servings

1.5 cups sugar
1.5 cups brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
4 tbsp butter
2 cups pecan halves
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

375Calories

21gFat

42gCarbs

4gProtein

Estimated from the ingredients above; actual values vary by brand and exact measurements.

Method

Step 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Have everything ready - praline making moves fast.
Step 2
Combine the sugars, cream, butter, and salt in a heavy pot. Cook over medium, stirring, until it reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer (the soft-ball stage).
Step 3
Turn off the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla.
Step 4
Keep stirring 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns slightly cloudy - this is the key moment.
Step 5
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls onto the parchment.
Step 6
Let the pralines cool and set 20 minutes until firm, then serve.

Cook's tips

Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy -- pull it at 240 degrees F rather than judging by time alone.
This tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to sit together in the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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