Description
Delicious pecan pralines made with sugary caramel and pecans, perfect for a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- large pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans (plus about 20 pecan halves to decorate (optional))
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have a tablespoon or cookie scoop ready.
- In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, and a large pinch of sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Wash down crystals that might form around the saucepan with a wet brush to prevent crystallization.
- Attach a candy thermometer and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 235–240°F (112–115°C), soft ball stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a little into cold water; it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.
- Remove from heat and let cool for several minutes, until it reaches 150°F.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 cups pecans, and immediately beat with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and looks slightly grainy but still glossy.
- Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. They will spread slightly and set as they cool.
- Top each with a whole pecan if you want to, before letting them cool completely until firm. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Make sure to watch the temperature closely to achieve the perfect soft ball stage.
- Feel free to customize with other nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg