Description
Get ready to bring the heart of the South to your kitchen with these Authentic Southern Vanilla Pecan Pralines. Creamy, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet, they’re the perfect combination of fudge and caramel. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, a homemade edible gift, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee, these easy pralines check all the boxes. Rich with cream, vanilla, and buttery pecans, they’re a nostalgic Southern candy that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. A true gem among dessert ideas and an easy recipe that delivers on flavor and texture.
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups toasted pecan halves
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure all ingredients and set up your candy thermometer for accuracy.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat.
3. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
4. Immediately remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
5. Stir vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and look slightly cloudy.
6. Quickly drop heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Let pralines cool at room temperature until fully set, about 30 minutes.
Notes
Work quickly when spooning out the pralines—once they begin to set, they harden fast.
Always toast the pecans beforehand for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Avoid making pralines on very humid days; moisture can affect their texture and set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg