Ready to dazzle your loved ones with a classy, bite-sized treat? Try these decadent Southern Pecan Pralines!
With the winter holidays fast approaching, I feel the desire to try new recipes for sweet treats and snacks. Usually, I’m all into cookies and pies at this time of year, but since I’ll soon have a new kitchen to experiment in, I thought, “Why not try my hand at making candied treats?” This idea used to intimidate me, but now the potential challenge excites me. Plus, with this sweet and simple recipe, I’ve totally mastered the art of crafting Southern pecan pralines—just in time for my move down south.
Just imagine the sweet smell of melted butter and brown sugar filling the kitchen while Christmas music plays in the background. That’s the kind of holiday season I have ahead of me, and I’d love for you to have that, too. Southern pecan pralines are rich and caramel-like, with a soft but slightly crunchy texture that’s totally irresistible. That’s why folks of all ages can appreciate this homemade candy.
To jazz up my Southern pecan pralines, I sometimes add a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of cloves into the mixture during step two. This adds a burst of warm spices that are ideal for the cooler months. It gives them that subtle “pumpkin spice” flavor without any pumpkin needed.
Can I use other kinds of nuts?
While this classic comfort food recipe calls for pecans as per tradition, you’re more than welcome to experiment with other kinds of nuts as well. Sometimes, I like to mix walnut halves with pecan halves for a blend of textures and tastes. Pecans typically taste richer and darker, while walnuts are almost woody. And then there are peanuts, which are savory and more toothsome. Whichever kinds of nuts you choose to use, just make sure there are two cups total, as the recipe calls for.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep your leftover Southern pecan pralines in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 month or freeze them for 2-3 months. Ideally, you’ll want to let them sit out to reach room temp again before serving them.
Similar recipes to try
If you’re craving some sweet pecans but with fewer carbs, try Keto Candied Pecans. For those with such a dietary restriction, these can be super helpful for satisfying that holiday hankering for sugar. But if you want to take your love for pecans to the next level, craft Keto Turtle No-Bake Cheesecake With Pecan Crust. This creamy, protein-rich cake is on my list for future house parties.
Southern Pecan Pralines
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized pan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, half-and-half, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to boil.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches 235-240°F (use a candy thermometer). Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves. Stir vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Quickly drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. If the mixture starts to thicken too much, stir in a teaspoon of hot water to loosen it.
- Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature before serving.
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