why make this recipe
Pecan pralines are a classic Southern candy: sweet, nutty, and wonderfully simple. This EASY PECAN PRALINES version uses just four ingredients and minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for holiday gifts, potlucks, or a quick homemade treat. For a dessert that pairs beautifully with pastries and cakes, consider pairing it with an apple-pecan dessert like apple pecan cake with caramel glaze for a complementary flavor profile.
introduction
EASY PECAN PRALINES are bite-sized, crunchy-smooth candies made by cooking sugars with evaporated milk and folding in pecans. They set quickly on parchment and are ideal when you want an impressive homemade sweet without fuss. This recipe keeps the process straightforward while delivering that signature creamy-crunch texture.
how to make EASY PECAN PRALINES
Make sure you have a sturdy saucepan and a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. The key to success is dissolving the sugars fully before boiling and then letting the mixture cook for the allotted time so it reaches the right stage to set. Once removed from heat, working quickly to portion spoonfuls onto parchment ensures consistent praline shapes.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 cups pecans (halves or chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Directions :
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk.
- Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow to boil for about 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper and let cool until set.
how to serve EASY PECAN PRALINES
Serve at room temperature on a platter or wrapped individually in wax paper for gifting. They’re excellent alongside coffee or tea, or as a crunchy garnish broken over ice cream or brownies.
how to store EASY PECAN PRALINES
Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage (up to 3 weeks), keep them in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving to soften slightly.
tips to make EASY PECAN PRALINES
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots and burning.
- Stir gently until the sugars dissolve; aggressive stirring once boiling can cause graininess.
- If humidity is high, allow slightly longer cooling time for proper setting.
- For uniform shapes, use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to portion the mixture.
- Toasting the pecans lightly beforehand intensifies flavor but is optional.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of salt or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract after removing from heat for a flavor boost.
- Substitute half the pecans with chopped walnuts for a mixed nut praline.
- For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled pralines.
FAQ
Q: My pralines are too soft — what went wrong?
A: They likely didn’t cook long enough to reach the setting point. Ensure the mixture boils for about 5 minutes as directed and that sugars were fully dissolved before boiling.
Q: Can I use fresh cream instead of evaporated milk?
A: Evaporated milk gives the classic creamy texture; substituting fresh cream will change the consistency and may require different cooking time.
Q: Can I scale the recipe?
A: Yes — scale ingredients proportionally and use a larger saucepan to maintain even heating.
Conclusion
If you want a tried-and-true reference for Southern-style pecan pralines with an easy method and classic flavor, check this detailed example at Pecan praline recipe at House of Nash Eats for additional tips and variations.
Easy Pecan Pralines
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk.
- Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow to boil for about 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper and let cool until set.
