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New Orleans Pecan Pralines

New Orleans Pecan Pralines
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Experience the authentic taste of Southern charm with these classic New Orleans Pecan Pralines. This easy-to-make recipe combines buttery, caramelized sugar and toasted pecans for a creamy, chewy candy with a delightful crunch. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat, these pralines bring the soulful flavors of Louisiana straight into your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugars and Dairy

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts

  • 1 1/2 cups raw pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pecans: Lightly toast the raw pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step enhances their flavor and crunch. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Combine Sugars and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugars are fully dissolved and the mixture reaches a boil.
  3. Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 238°F (114°C), the soft ball stage. This ensures pralines will set properly.
  4. Remove from Heat and Add Butter and Vanilla: Take the saucepan off the heat. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy, adding richness and aromatic warmth.
  5. Beat the Mixture: Using a wooden spoon, vigorously beat the hot candy mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. This cools the mixture slightly and creates the creamy, fudge-like texture essential to authentic pralines.
  6. Fold in Pecans and Drop onto Parchment: Fold the toasted pecans into the mixture gently. Using a spoon, drop dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings to avoid grainy or sticky pralines.
  • Don’t rush beating the mixture after cooking; this step transforms the candy’s texture.
  • Work quickly when spooning out pralines as the mixture sets fast.
  • Using room temperature butter and cream helps dissolve sugars evenly.
  • Store pralines in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Orleans pecan pralines, Southern candy, pecan candy, homemade pralines, Louisiana sweets, caramel pecans

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/new-orleans-pecan-pralines/