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Best Easy Pralines Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pralines Recipe
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 35 g
Ingredients: Pecans 1 cup; Brown sugar 1.5 cups; Granulated sugar 0.5 cup; Evaporated milk 0.5 cup; Unsalted butter 0.25 cup; Vanilla extract 1 tsp; Salt 0.25 tsp

Creamy Southern pralines with toasted pecans and brown sugar are a beloved family confection from New Orleans. These sweet, buttery candies deliver rich, nutty indulgence in every bite.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 170 kcal

#vegetarian #southern dessert #holiday treat

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

Pecans 1 cup
Brown sugar 1.5 cups
Granulated sugar 0.5 cup
Evaporated milk 0.5 cup
Unsalted butter 0.25 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Salt 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 25 g 59%

Protein 1 g 2%

Fat 8 g 39%

Serving size 35g

Cooking steps

1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
2

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and unsalted butter. Stir over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture comes to a gentle boil.
3

Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 238–240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Reduce heat slightly as it approaches temperature to avoid scorching.
4

Remove saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix vigorously until mixture becomes creamy and thickens slightly.
5

Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared baking sheet. Let pralines cool completely at room temperature until set before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. Which ingredient gives pralines their signature creamy and nutty flavor?

Brown sugar and butter provide the creamy, caramelized sweetness, while toasted pecans add the distinctive rich, nutty flavor that characterizes traditional Southern pralines. The combination is essential for authentic taste and texture.

Q. How should I control the heat while cooking the praline mixture?

Maintain medium heat while melting the sugars, milk, and butter. As the mixture nears its target temperature (238–240°F), reduce the heat slightly to prevent scorching. Stir frequently, especially once boiling, to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.

Q. What’s the best way to prevent pralines from turning grainy or too hard?

Remove the mixture from heat immediately after reaching the soft ball stage and stir in pecans, vanilla, and salt. Mixing until thick and creamy, then scooping onto the baking sheet promptly, prevents overcooking and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture rather than a brittle or gritty candy.

Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving of this praline recipe?

Each serving (35g) contains about 170 kcal, with 25g carbohydrates (59% of calories), 8g fat (39%), and 1g protein (2%). Pralines are a sweet, indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Best Easy Pralines Recipe

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