Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Praline Recipe

Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Praline Recipe

Old Fashioned pecan pralines are a Deep South tradition. Found around the holidays in most areas and all year round in New Orleans and Savannah. Mastering this creamy candy is not as hard as it sounds and if they don't set perfectly no one will care, they still taste scrumptious. A Southern classic that requires a candy thermometer, brown and white sugar, cream and of course pecans.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Servings: servings

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Ingredients

Instructions

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Toast the pecan halves.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add white and brown sugar, salt, and cream and whisk to combine. Cover and turn heat to medium and bring to a boil, about 2-3 minutes. Once boiling, remove the lid and continue boiling until it reaches 242º with a thermometer, about 5 minutes.
Working quickly, add the pecans and vanilla and whisk until it turns from shiny to creamy and starts to thicken. (Don’t let it get too thick, or you won’t be able to spoon it out.)
Quickly spoon the mixture onto the parchment paper. using a spatula to slide it off the spoon. It makes about 24.

Barbara's Notes + Tips

This recipe moves fast, and you won’t have time to measure as you go. So make sure you have everything ready and your ingredients measured out before you begin.

You don’t need to whisk the mixture while it’s boiling. Just let it bubble away while you keep an eye on the temperature.

The mixture will be really, really hot. Don’t try to touch it with your hands, and be careful as you scoop it out.

If the mixture starts to get crumbly while you are beating it, try adding a teaspoon or two of hot water to the mixture. Sometimes this can save your pralines.

Nutrition