Sweet & Crunchy Buttermilk Pecan Pralines Recipe to Fall For

Sweet southern buttermilk pecan pralines dance between classic candy nostalgia and irresistible homemade indulgence.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen spark memories of these delectable treats.

Creamy caramel notes blend perfectly with crunchy pecans in this traditional southern confection.

Expect a rich, buttery experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Each praline carries a hint of tangy buttermilk that cuts through intense sweetness.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in mere minutes.

You can craft these delightful candies and become an instant dessert hero.

Buttermilk Pecan Pralines Sweet Blends

• Dairy-Free Coconut Pralines: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version with tropical notes.
• Gluten-Free Maple Pecan Pralines: Swap sugar with maple syrup and use certified gluten-free ingredients to create a safe alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Almond Pralines: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use almonds instead of pecans for a reduced-calorie, diabetic-friendly treat.
• Keto-Friendly Pralines: Use erythritol as a sugar replacement, incorporate heavy cream instead of buttermilk, and add crushed macadamia nuts for a low-carb ketogenic option.

FAQs

• What makes buttermilk different from regular milk in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a smoother, creamier texture in pralines. Its acidity also helps break down sugar crystals, resulting in a more consistent candy.

• Why do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

A candy thermometer ensures you reach the exact soft-ball stage (235-240°F) for perfect praline consistency. Without it, you might end up with pralines that are too soft or too hard.

• Can I use chopped pecans instead of pecan halves?

Yes, chopped pecans work perfectly fine. They’ll distribute more evenly throughout the praline and still provide the same delicious nutty flavor and crunch.

• What does baking soda do in this praline recipe?

Baking soda helps neutralize the buttermilk’s acidity and creates a smoother, more stable candy mixture. It also contributes to the praline’s light, slightly airy texture.

Buttermilk Pralines That Melt and Crunch Together

Savor Southern Simplicity: Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Quick Cooking Adventure: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into delectable Southern candies in just 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Minimal kitchen skills required, with straightforward steps and basic equipment like a saucepan and candy thermometer make this recipe accessible for novice cooks.
• Nostalgic Flavor Experience: Capturing classic Southern dessert traditions, these pralines deliver rich, buttery sweetness with crunchy pecans that transport you straight to grandma's kitchen.
• Impressive Party Treat: Elegant yet easy homemade candies that serve as stunning gifts or dessert table showstoppers, guaranteed to wow friends and family with minimal effort.

Sweet and Nutty Base for Pecan Pralines

• Sugar: A sweet crystalline substance that provides the primary sweetness and helps create the praline's signature texture.
• Buttermilk: Tangy dairy product that adds richness and helps balance the sweetness while contributing to the praline's smooth consistency.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the pralines.
• Pecans: Classic southern nut that adds crunch, nutty flavor, and traditional praline character.

• Baking Soda: Helps neutralize the buttermilk's acidity and promotes a smoother praline texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall sweetness of the pralines.

Pecan Pralines Buttermilk Candy Steps

Step 1: Blend Sweet Ingredients

• sugar
• buttermilk
• butter
• baking soda

Whisk the ingredients until they’re smoothly combined and create a uniform mixture.

Step 2: Heat and Monitor

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly.

Watch carefully as the mixture bubbles and transforms.

Use a candy thermometer to track the temperature, aiming for the magical soft-ball stage between 235–240°F.

This process requires patience and attentive stirring.

Step 3: Enhance with Flavor

Remove the pan from the heat source.

Pour in vanilla extract and gently fold in pecan halves.

Stir continuously as the mixture begins to thicken and lose its shiny appearance.

The transformation happens quickly, so stay focused.

Step 4: Shape Sweet Clusters

Grab a spoon and swiftly drop small mounds of the praline mixture onto parchment or wax paper.

Work quickly before the mixture sets completely.

Each dollop should be a rustic, free-form cluster of deliciousness.

Step 5: Cool and Preserve

Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature.

They’ll gradually harden into delectable treats.

Once set, transfer to an airtight container.

These Southern delights will stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Candy-Making Tips for Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

• Stir the mixture gently and consistently to avoid sugar crystals forming, which can make pralines grainy and rough in texture.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature control, ensuring the perfect creamy consistency every time.
• Work quickly when spooning pralines onto parchment paper to capture the ideal texture before the mixture hardens completely.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile in the pralines.
• Keep pralines in a single layer between wax paper sheets to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate, smooth texture.

Pecan Pralines Storage Guide

• Keep pralines in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap individual pralines in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within a week for optimal taste and crunchiness.
• Warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness, but avoid overheating to prevent sugar crystallization.

Sweet Treat Pairings for Pecan Pralines

• Pair Sweet Bourbon: Complement the pralines' rich, nutty flavor with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, enhancing the caramel undertones and creating a luxurious Southern-style dessert experience.
• Match Creamy Coffee: Serve alongside a velvety cappuccino or dark roast coffee, which will balance the pralines' sweetness and provide a warm, comforting contrast to the sugary treat.
• Combine with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream with crumbled praline pieces, creating a decadent dessert that highlights the pecans' buttery crunch and caramel notes.
• Serve with Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose honeyed sweetness and light acidity will harmonize beautifully with the pralines' sugary texture.

Buttermilk Pecan Pralines Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in these buttermilk pecan pralines, a classic New Orleans confection that melts luxuriously on your palate. Rich caramel notes and toasted pecans combine to create a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure Southern comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare a heavy-bottomed saucepan and gather all ingredients for crafting Southern-style buttermilk pecan pralines.
2. Pour sugar, buttermilk, butter, and baking soda into the saucepan, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Position the saucepan over medium heat, maintaining constant gentle stirring to prevent ingredient separation.
4. Monitor temperature using a candy thermometer, allowing the mixture to gradually transform and reach the precise soft-ball stage between 235–240°F.
5. Once temperature is achieved, immediately remove saucepan from heat source to halt cooking process.
6. Incorporate vanilla extract and pecan halves, using vigorous stirring techniques to encourage mixture transformation.
7. Continue stirring until the praline mixture transitions from glossy to matte, signaling proper crystallization and texture development.
8. Working swiftly, use a spoon to deposit small, uniform mounds of praline mixture onto parchment or wax paper.
9. Allow pralines to cool completely at room temperature, enabling them to set and develop their signature crisp yet tender texture.
10. Once fully cooled, transfer pralines to an airtight storage container, preserving their delicate crunch and rich flavor profile.

Notes

• Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate by testing it in boiling water to confirm precise temperature readings for perfect praline consistency.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching and distribute heat evenly during the caramelization process.
• Work quickly when spooning pralines onto paper, as the mixture will start to set rapidly and become less malleable within moments.
• For a gluten-free variation, double-check that all ingredients, especially vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free before preparing the recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg