Easy Pecan Pralines

Craving a sweet treat to pair with your coffee or tea? These Easy Pecan Pralines offer a delightful mix of gooey caramel and crunchy pecans—simple to make and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• A pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Line a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Cook the Pralines

1. Combine Sugars and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve.
2. Boil the Mixture: Once the mixture starts to boil, stop stirring and let it cook until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Butter and Vanilla

1. Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat.
2. Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is well combined.

Mix in the Pecans

1. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.

Form the Pralines

1. Drop Spoonfuls: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into rounds or clusters as desired.

Cool and Serve

1. Cool Completely: Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature. They will harden as they cool.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 praline
• Calorie Count: 150 kcal per praline

Notes

• Storage: Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Candy Thermometer: For a smoother texture, use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate cooking temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut?
   Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
2. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
   You can test the caramel by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft ball.
3. How can I make these pralines less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar slightly.
4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
5. How should I store leftover pralines?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
6. Can I make these pralines ahead of time?
   Yes, they can be made a few days in advance.
7. Can I freeze pralines?
   Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
8. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture may be less creamy.
9. How do I know when the caramel is ready?
   Use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches 240°F (115°C), which is the soft ball stage.
10. Can I add chocolate to these pralines?
    Yes, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pralines for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

These Easy Pecan Pralines are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, making them an ideal treat to enjoy with your favorite beverage. They’re simple to prepare and sure to be a hit with everyone!