Description
Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a classic Southern confection, offering a sweet, creamy, and nutty treat. This recipe guides you through making homemade vanilla pecan pralines from scratch, ensuring a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugars.
- Once boiling, insert a candy thermometer. Continue to cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 238°F (114°C), which is the soft-ball stage.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves.
- Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly and begins to lose its glossy appearance, becoming more opaque. This step is crucial for creamy vanilla pecan pralines.
- Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the vanilla pecan praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Form into desired shapes.
- Allow the homemade vanilla pecan pralines to cool completely and set, about 30-60 minutes, before handling.
- Store the set vanilla pecan pralines in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results when making creamy vanilla pecan candy.
- Do not stir the mixture excessively once it reaches the boiling point, as this can cause crystallization.
- A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct temperature for these pecan pralines with vanilla extract.
- If your vanilla pecan pralines do not set, you may not have cooked them to the correct temperature or stirred them long enough after removing from heat.
- These traditional vanilla pecan pralines make excellent gifts or a sweet addition to any dessert table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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