New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Delicious pecan pralines that are sweet, crunchy, and easy to make!
Equipment
- Saucepan For cooking the praline mixture.
- Candy thermometer To check the temperature of the mixture.
- Baking sheet To drop the pralines onto.
- Parchment paper For lining the baking sheet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 4 tbsp salted butter, cold
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cold butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly to ensure even melting and prevent burning. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Once the mixture begins to boil, continue stirring until the candy thermometer reads 236°F (soft ball stage). This is crucial for achieving the right texture for your pralines.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecans. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until well combined. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the pecans beforehand!
- Using a spoon, drop 1-2 tablespoons of the pecan mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each mound as they will spread slightly.
- Allow the pralines to sit for about 10 minutes to set. Once they are firm, they are ready to be enjoyed! This recipe yields about 16 pralines.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the mixture. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.