I can still picture my mom in her apron, humming along to the radio as she carefully dropped spoonfuls of something magical onto wax paper. The sweet, buttery aroma filled our kitchen, and I knew exactly what she was making: vanilla pecan pralines. Those warm, nutty treats were more than just candy; they were a symbol of love and togetherness in our family.
Every holiday season, these pralines took center stage on our dessert table. They were also the perfect afternoon treat when I needed a pick-me-up. Now, I carry on that tradition, making vanilla pecan pralines for my own family, hoping to pass on the same sweet memories. You can see how I pair this confection with other desserts, like this pecan pie dump cake recipe, over on Cook Reel.
Why you’ll love this Vanilla Pecan Pralines
- These vanilla pecan pralines are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- The combination of creamy, sweet candy and crunchy, toasted pecans is simply irresistible.
- They make a perfect homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays or any special occasion.
- The rich vanilla flavor enhances the nutty taste of the pecans, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.
- You can easily customize these vanilla pecan pralines with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
- The simple ingredients used to make these vanilla pecan pralines are likely already in your pantry!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Directions
Step 1
Vanilla pecan pralines makes every moment feel uplifting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 2
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3
Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F on a candy thermometer). This will take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient and keep an eye on the temperature to ensure the perfect consistency.
Step 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes, without stirring. This step is crucial for the pralines to set properly.
Step 5
Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses its glossy sheen. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture will transform from a shiny liquid to a thick, opaque cream.
Step 6
Quickly stir in the toasted pecans. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
Step 7
Let the pralines cool completely until set, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid stacking them until they are fully set to prevent sticking.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Looking to add a little twist to your vanilla pecan pralines? Try incorporating other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. You could also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, spiced praline.
For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled pralines is a decadent addition. Alternatively, you could mix in some cocoa powder into the praline mixture for a rich, chocolatey praline.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the praline mixture or sprinkling it on top of the cooled pralines. The salty-sweet combination is absolutely delightful!
Pairings
Vanilla pecan pralines are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
These pralines are also a perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot coffee or tea. The sweetness of the praline complements the bitterness of the coffee or tea beautifully.
For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving them with a glass of fortified dessert grape juice. The rich flavors of the praline and the grape juice create a truly indulgent experience. For a great pound cake to serve with these, check out this key lime pound cake recipe from Cook Reel.
Serving ideas
Present your vanilla pecan pralines in a beautiful gift box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift. Line the box with parchment paper or tissue paper for an elegant touch.
Arrange the pralines on a dessert platter alongside other candies and treats for a festive holiday display. A mix of colors and textures will make your platter even more appealing.
For a simple yet elegant presentation, place a few pralines on a small dessert plate with a sprig of fresh mint. You can learn about other pecan desserts on Cook Reel’s guide to the best pecan pie dump cake recipes, which can be another way to utilize your pecans. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dessert.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
To store leftover vanilla pecan pralines, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they should last for up to 1 week. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become sticky.
If you live in a warm or humid climate, you may want to store the pralines in a cooler, drier place. This will help prevent them from melting or becoming too soft.
You can also freeze the pralines for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Make-ahead
These vanilla pecan pralines can be made ahead of time, which is especially helpful during the busy holiday season. You can prepare the praline mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to make the pralines, simply bring the mixture to room temperature and follow the remaining steps in the recipe. Be sure to beat the mixture vigorously before adding the pecans to ensure the pralines set properly.
You can also toast the pecans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the pralines.
Common mistakes when making Vanilla Pecan Pralines
- Not using a heavy-bottomed saucepan: A thin saucepan can cause the sugar to burn and scorch, resulting in a bitter flavor. Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution.
- Not using a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct consistency. If the mixture doesn’t reach the soft-ball stage, the pralines will be too soft and sticky.
- Stirring the mixture too much after the sugar has dissolved: Stirring after the sugar has dissolved can cause the sugar to crystallize, resulting in grainy pralines. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil undisturbed.
- Not beating the mixture vigorously enough: Beating the mixture vigorously after removing it from the heat is crucial for achieving the correct texture. If you don’t beat it enough, the pralines will be too soft and runny.
- Not working quickly enough: The praline mixture sets quickly, so it’s important to work quickly when dropping spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. If the mixture starts to set in the saucepan, gently reheat it over low heat until it’s smooth again.
Final notes
Vanilla pecan pralines are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create these creamy, nutty candies in your own kitchen. The key is to follow the recipe carefully and pay attention to the temperature and consistency of the praline mixture.
Don’t be intimidated by the candy-making process. It might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be making perfect pralines in no time. And remember, even if your first batch isn’t perfect, they’ll still taste delicious!
So, go ahead and give this vanilla pecan pralines recipe a try. I promise you’ll be rewarded with a batch of sweet, nutty goodness that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Loved this Vanilla Pecan Pralines? Try these next
Vanilla Pecan Pralines
Indulge in the sweet and nutty delight of homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines. These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a special treat. The rich vanilla flavor complements the toasted pecans beautifully, creating a truly irresistible confection.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pralines 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F on a candy thermometer). This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes, without stirring.
- Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture vigorously until it thickens and loses its glossy sheen. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Quickly stir in the toasted pecans. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let the pralines cool completely until set, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching. Be sure to toast the pecans for the most flavorful pralines. Store the pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can add a pinch of sea salt on top of each praline for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg