Description
Creamy, rich, and deeply Southern, these Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a melt-in-your-mouth candy classic—made with pantry staples and no thermometer required! Perfect for holiday gifting, dessert trays, or a sweet indulgence anytime. This foolproof method delivers that signature fudgy texture every single time.
Ingredients
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
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½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
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½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 cups (200g) pecan halves
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep Your Tools
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Lightly toast pecan halves if desired.
• Set out two tablespoons or scoops for dropping candy.
2️⃣ Combine and Cook
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cream, butter, and baking soda.
• Stir over medium heat until butter melts and sugars dissolve.
3️⃣ Boil to Soft-Ball Stage
• Continue stirring and bring to a gentle boil.
• If using a thermometer, cook to 236°F.
• Without a thermometer, cook for 3–4 minutes until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4️⃣ Add Flavor and Nuts
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and pecan halves.
• Stir quickly for 30 seconds as mixture thickens slightly.
5️⃣ Drop and Cool
• Immediately drop spoonfuls of mixture onto the lined baking sheet.
• Let cool completely at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.
Notes
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Use only heavy cream, not milk or half-and-half, for best consistency.
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Toasting pecans deepens their flavor and gives the pralines more crunch.
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Avoid stirring too much once the sugar mixture begins to boil—this helps prevent crystallization.
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Make sure your saucepan is clean and free of old sugar crystals to avoid grainy texture.
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Humidity matters! Candy sets better on dry days.
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Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
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To add variations, stir in mini chocolate chips, sprinkle with sea salt, or use walnuts instead of pecans.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern