Description
Classic vanilla pecan pralines – a Southern favorite combining toasted pecans with a sweet, creamy candy coating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Toast pecans until fragrant and set aside.
- Combine sugar, cream, butter, and cream of tartar in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook mixture to soft ball stage (238-240°F) without stirring.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla, salt, and pecans.
- Beat mixture until it begins to thicken.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared sheets.
- Allow to set completely at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use a calibrated candy thermometer.
- Avoid stirring once mixture is boiling to prevent crystallization.
- Can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Make sure all sugar is dissolved before mixture reaches a boil.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Can be made up to a week in advance for gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pecan pralines, Southern candy, vanilla pralines, homemade pralines, candy making
