Authentic Southern Pralines Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Combine both sugars, milk, and butter in a heavy saucepan.
  2. Stir over medium heat until the sugars dissolve, then let the mixture boil.
  3. Without stirring, let the mixture boil for about 6 minutes or until it reaches the soft ball stage (a small amount forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water).
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 6 minutes.
  5. Stir in the pecans and vanilla extract.
  6. Stir the mixture vigorously until it thickens, becomes creamy and cloudy, and the pecans remain suspended.
  7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared waxed paper or parchment paper, leaving an inch or so between each praline.
  8. Let the pralines stand until they are completely cool and firm, for about 30 minutes to an hour.
  9. When they are set, remove them from the paper and store them in an airtight container.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
  • Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warm spices.
  • Mix in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.
  • Try using coconut milk instead of regular milk for a subtle tropical flavor.
  • For a chocolate version, melt some chocolate chips and swirl it into the praline mixture before dropping onto the paper.
  • Experiment with different extracts such as almond, coconut, or maple for unique flavor variations.
  • Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules for a subtle coffee flavor.
  • For a savory twist, sprinkle some sea salt on top of each praline.
  • Replace the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the sweet, nutty goodness of Pralines, a classic Southern treat known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made with a handful of simple ingredients such as sugars, milk, butter, pecans, and a hint of vanilla, this praline recipe is relatively easy to make and yields a delightful dessert that will leave you coming back for more. The process involves boiling the mixture to the soft ball stage, then stirring in pecans and vanilla, and finally, dropping spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool and firm up. The resulting pralines are a delicious blend of crunchy, creamy, and sweet, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy these pralines on their own, as a topping for desserts, or as a unique homemade gift. Once you try your hand at making these, you'll understand why pralines are a beloved tradition in the South.

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? - Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. However, using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the pecans with a different type of nut? - Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer.
  3. How long can I store the pralines? - If stored in an airtight container, these pralines can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Can I double the recipe? - Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just make sure you have a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased ingredients.
  5. Can I use a candy thermometer to check the soft ball stage? - Yes, using a candy thermometer is a reliable way to check if the mixture has reached the soft ball stage. It should read around 235-240°F (113-116°C).

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - A heavy saucepan is needed to cook the praline mixture.
  • Waxed paper or parchment paper - This is necessary for dropping and setting the pralines.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the praline mixture.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are required to accurately measure the sugar, milk, and pecans.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to measure the butter and vanilla extract.
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon - A cookie scoop or tablespoon can be used to drop the pralines onto the waxed paper.
  • Airtight container - An airtight container is useful for storing the pralines once they are set.

Origin stories

Pralines, these sweet, delectable treats, hail from the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Yet their roots stretch back even further to the 17th-century chef of French diplomat César, duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin. This clever chef coated almonds in caramelized sugar, a bite-sized delight that quickly garnered favor among French aristocracy, and thus, the praline was born. But the praline as we know it today, brimming with pecans instead of almonds and creamy rather than crunchy, is a unique innovation of the French Creole chefs of Louisiana. They swapped the almonds for locally abundant pecans and added cream to give it a fudgy body. This Franco-American confection, over centuries, has become a signature sweet of the Southern United States. Such is the journey of the humble praline, a testament to culinary creativity and cultural exchange.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.