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