Description
These Easy Vanilla Pecan Pralines are creamy, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans, making them a sweet homemade candy you will want to make again and again. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday desserts, quick sweet treats, dessert ideas, food gifts, party trays, and simple homemade candy when you want something rich, nutty, and full of warm vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans, toasted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set a tablespoon or small cookie scoop nearby.
2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, then remove from heat.
3. Add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve.
5. Bring the mixture to a steady boil and cook until it reaches 235°F to 240°F.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Add the toasted pecans and stir until fully coated.
8. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and begins to lose some shine.
9. Quickly drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared parchment paper.
10. Let the pralines cool at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or until set.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to help the sugar mixture cook evenly and reduce the risk of scorching.
Toast the pecans before adding them to the candy mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.
Scoop the pralines quickly once the mixture thickens because it can firm up fast as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
Keywords: Easy Vanilla Pecan Pralines, vanilla pecan pralines, homemade pralines, easy candy recipe, holiday desserts, dessert ideas, food gifts, pecan candy