Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe
Want a sweet treat that melts in your mouth? Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe are perfect for you. These creamy candies combine butter, sugar, and crunchy pecans.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Candy thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set it near your cooking area.
- Have your spoon ready to go.
- Put both sugars in your saucepan.
- Add the heavy cream slowly.
- Stir until everything mixes well.
- Turn heat to medium.
- Stir constantly while the mixture heats up.
- Attach your candy thermometer to the pan.
- Cook until it reaches 236°F (soft ball stage).
- This takes about 15 minutes.
- Don't rush this step.
- Remove pan from heat immediately.
- Add butter and vanilla extract.
- Stir until butter melts completely.
- The mixture will look smooth and glossy.
- Add your pecans and salt now.
- Stir quickly but carefully.
- The mixture will start to thicken.
- Keep stirring until it loses its shine.
- Work fast now.
- Drop spoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Make them about 2 inches wide.
- Let them cool completely at room temperature.
- This takes about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for better flavor.
- Stale nuts ruin the taste.
- Toast your pecans lightly before adding them.
- This brings out their natural oils.
- Don't skip the candy thermometer.
- Temperature matters a lot here.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Work quickly when dropping the pralines.
- They set up fast.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- They stay fresh for two weeks.