Description
Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of homemade pecan pralines, featuring toasted pecans enveloped in a creamy caramel mixture. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these delightful treats offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool completely.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, and unsalted butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugars dissolve completely (about 3-5 minutes).
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes without stirring until it reaches a soft ball stage (around 235°F or 113°C).
- Once the right temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.
- Allow the pralines to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until set and firm to the touch.
- Once cooled and hardened, carefully peel the pralines off the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the sugar mixture while boiling to prevent burning.
- Adjust cooking time for softer or firmer pralines as desired.
- Experiment with different nuts or spices for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes