Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe | Easy Southern Candy

Spread the love

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe | Easy Southern Candy

Why make this recipe

Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the South to your kitchen. These sweet, nutty confections have a rich history and are perfect for many occasions. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them an ideal choice for novice candy makers and seasoned chefs alike. Their creamy texture and crunchy pecans create a mouthwatering combination that everyone loves. Whether you plan to serve them at a special gathering, reminisce about a nostalgic holiday, or simply enjoy a sweet snack at home, Vanilla Pecan Pralines are sure to please.

How to make Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines is a rewarding experience. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create a delicious batch of candy to share with family and friends. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
7 oz evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 package (11 oz) vanilla or white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended for the best flavor)
4 oz marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

Prepare Your Workspace
Before beginning any cooking process, it’s important to set up your workspace to prevent any mess and make the cooking process more efficient. Lay out two long sheets of waxed paper on your countertop or cookie sheets. This will be where you place your pralines to set after cooking.
Combine Ingredients
Take a heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter in it. The heavy bottom of the pan helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring that the sugar doesn’t burn.
Cook the Mixture
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat while stirring constantly. Your aim here is to get the mixture to a boil without burning it. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat just enough to maintain a low boil. Continue this for about 8 minutes while stirring occasionally. This boiling step is crucial; it helps to create the right texture for your pralines, so be attentive!
Add the Remaining Ingredients
After 8 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla chips and marshmallow cream. Stir continually until the chips have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Flavor It Up
Once everything is combined and smooth, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and the chopped pecans. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cooling Time
Let the mixture sit for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to cool a little so that it becomes thick but still creamy. If the mixture is too firm to drop accurately, you can add a few teaspoons of evaporated milk to soften it up and mix well.
Drop the Pralines
Use a spoon to drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto the prepared waxed paper. These will be the individual pralines. You’ll want them to be somewhat round and not too flat.
Set the Pralines
Once you’ve spooned out all the mixture, allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until they have hardened.
Storing Your Candy
When the pralines have set, store them in an airtight container. To avoid them sticking together, layer the pralines between sheets of waxed paper.

How to serve Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Serving Vanilla Pecan Pralines is a treat in itself. They are delightful on their own but can also be paired with other desserts. Consider placing a few pralines on a dessert plate with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries. They also make a lovely addition to a candy tray at parties or holidays. For a special touch, you can package them in decorative boxes or bags to give as gifts. Just make sure they’re properly wrapped to keep them fresh!

How to store Vanilla Pecan Pralines

To keep your Vanilla Pecan Pralines at their best, storing them properly is essential. They should be kept in an airtight container, which will help maintain their texture and flavor. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as heat can affect the consistency. If you have layered them between sheets of waxed paper, they will remain intact and won’t stick together. They usually last for about 1 to 2 weeks if stored correctly.

Tips to make Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can impact the final flavor. Fresh pecans and quality chocolate chips will enhance the taste of your pralines.
Temperature Control: Be attentive to the temperature while boiling the sugar mixture. If it boils too aggressively, you might burn the sugar; too low, and it won’t set properly.
Stir Constantly: When making candy, consistency is key. Stirring constantly helps prevent the mixture from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
Adjusting Consistency: If your mixture thickens too much while waiting to drop it onto the wax paper, don’t hesitate to thin it with a little more evaporated milk.
Use Fun Mix-ins: While pecans are traditional, you can get creative by adding other nuts or even dried fruits to your mixture for added flavor and texture.
Experiment with Chocolate: Depending on your preference, you can experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate chips can add a rich flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness.

Variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider creating an almond version of these pralines. Simply replace the pecans with chopped almonds for a different nutty taste. You can also switch the vanilla chips for milk or dark chocolate chips, giving the pralines a new flavor dimension. For a festive touch, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before they set to give a sweet-and-salty contrast that’s deliciously addicting.

Another variation to consider is the addition of flavored extracts. Instead of sticking solely to vanilla, try almond or hazelnut extracts for a unique twist. The versatility of Vanilla Pecan Pralines makes them a great base for many interpretations, allowing for personal creativity in your candy-making adventures.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts aside from pecans?
Yes! While pecans are traditional in this recipe, you can substitute with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts, depending on your taste preference.
What should I do if my pralines do not set?
If your pralines do not set properly, they may not have reached the right temperature during the cooking process. You can try to melt them back down in a saucepan, then adjust the cooking time and try again.
Can I freeze Vanilla Pecan Pralines?
Yes, you can freeze pralines! Place them in an airtight container, ensuring they’re not touching, then store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
How long will the pralines last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, Vanilla Pecan Pralines can last about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I make these pralines ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made ahead of time, making them great for holiday gifts or parties. Just make sure to store them correctly so they remain fresh.

Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines can be a delightful and straightforward process. With their rich flavor and impressive appearance, these pralines are bound to be a hit at any gathering. So gather your ingredients, follow the directions, and enjoy creating this delightful candy treat that celebrates Southern charm!

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Print Recipe

Delightful Southern candy with creamy texture and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hbibamine1980
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 pralines 1x
Category: Candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
7 oz evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 package (11 oz) vanilla or white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
4 oz marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare your workspace by laying out waxed paper.
Combine sugar, evaporated milk, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until boiling. Maintain a low boil for about 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla chips and marshmallow cream until smooth.
Add vanilla extract and chopped pecans; mix well.
Let cool for 2-3 minutes, adding evaporated milk if too thick.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto waxed paper.
Allow pralines to cool completely at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container layered with waxed paper.