The Ultimate Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe: Sweet Southern Magic

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when praline magic involving vanilla pecan ingredients starts to unfold.

Sweet traditions whisper through generations of culinary creativity.

Grandmothers carefully guard cherished recipes passed down through decades of delectable experimentation.

Nutty aromas promise comforting memories and delightful moments of indulgence.

Crisp pecans dance with smooth vanilla undertones, creating a symphony of flavors.

Melted sugar transforms humble ingredients into extraordinary confections that sparkle with southern charm.

You can create these delectable treats and impress everyone with minimal kitchen skills.

Praline Perfection Starts with These Vanilla Tips

• Use parchment paper as an alternative to waxed paper for easy praline removal and clean-up.
• Use a candy thermometer to monitor the sugar mixture, aiming for the soft-ball stage around 235-240°F for perfect praline consistency.
• Stir the sugar mixture gently and consistently to avoid sugar crystals forming, which can make pralines grainy.
• If pralines become too hard, add warm evaporated milk gradually to restore creamy softness; if too soft, let the mixture cool slightly longer before dropping.
• Keep pralines in a cool, dry place and separate layers with wax paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Keep Vanilla Pecan Pralines Fresh

• Place pralines in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Keep pralines in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Wrap individual pralines in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Always keep pralines dry to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming sticky or soft.

Sweet Matches for Vanilla Pecan Pralines

• Pair with Caramel Bourbon Cocktail: Create a smooth, rich cocktail that complements the sweet praline flavors with bourbon's warm notes and a hint of caramel syrup.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Enhance the pralines' creamy texture by pairing with a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream that echoes the vanilla extract in the recipe.
• Match with Strong Black Coffee: Balance the sweetness of the pralines with a robust, dark roast coffee that cuts through the sugary richness and provides a contrasting flavor profile.
• Complement with Cinnamon Spiced Tea: Brew a warm cinnamon-infused black tea that adds a subtle spicy undertone to highlight the nutty pecan flavors in the pralines.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Candy Style Swaps

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free vanilla chips. Replace butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the vanilla chips and marshmallow creme. Double-check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Each nut brings a unique crunch and taste to the classic praline recipe.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce the amount of sugar while maintaining the praline's rich, sweet character.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

The key ingredients are sugar, milk, butter, vanilla chips, marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and pecans. These components create a rich, creamy candy with a delightful nutty flavor.

• How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready to be removed from heat?

When the sugar mixture reaches a low boil after 8 minutes of constant stirring and has a smooth, consistent texture, it’s ready to be removed from heat. The mixture should look glossy and start to thicken slightly.

• Can I prevent my pralines from being too hard or too soft?

Yes, monitor the cooking time carefully and let the mixture cool for 2-3 minutes before dropping. If the pralines seem too firm, add a couple of teaspoons of evaporated milk to soften the texture. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

• Why is constant stirring important during the cooking process?

Constant stirring prevents the sugar from burning and ensures even heat distribution. It helps create a smooth, uniform mixture and prevents sugar from crystallizing or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines That Always Hit the Spot

• Quick Sweet Magic: No-Fuss Vanilla Pecan Pralines offer delightful candy-making fun.
• Minimal Skill Required: Perfect for beginners with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee success even for novice cooks.
• Fast Preparation: Takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute dessert or gift option.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delivers rich, buttery flavor that appeals to all ages, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dessert time.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines – Ingredient Mix

• Sugar: Sweet foundation of the praline with caramelizing properties.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, creamy texture and balances sweetness.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with smooth consistency.

• Vanilla Chips, Marshmallow Creme: Create creamy, sweet base and help bind ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.

• Pecans: Provide classic nutty crunch and traditional praline character.
• Evaporated Milk: Optional ingredient to adjust mixture consistency if needed.

• Wax Paper: Used for cooling and preventing pralines from sticking.

Homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Line your countertop or cookie sheets with two long sheets of waxed paper.

This will be your cooling station for the freshly made pralines.

Step 2: Craft Sugar Syrup

• Sugar
• Milk
• Butter

Heat the mixture over medium-low temperature, stirring continuously.

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Continue cooking and stirring for 8 minutes until the syrup reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Elements

• Vanilla chips
• Marshmallow creme

Stir until the chips completely melt and create a silky texture.

• Vanilla extract
• Pecans

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes until it thickens but remains creamy.

If the mixture feels too stiff, splash in a couple teaspoons of evaporated milk and stir thoroughly.

Step 5: Shape Pralines

Using a tablespoon, carefully drop dollops of the mixture onto the prepared waxed paper.

Let the pralines cool and set completely.

Step 6: Package Sweet Treats

Transfer the cooled pralines to an airtight container.

Layer the candies between sheets of waxed paper to prevent sticking.

Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm emerges in these Classic Vanilla Pecan Pralines, delivering rich caramelized notes with buttery pecans. Creamy confections melt deliciously, offering a delightful taste of New Orleans culinary heritage you’ll savor with pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 7 ounces (198 grams) evaporated milk
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 package (11 ounces or 312 grams) vanilla or white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)

Binding/Texture Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) marshmallow creme
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, cubed

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Lay out two extended waxed paper sheets across cookie sheets or countertop, creating a smooth landing zone for the freshly crafted pralines.
2. Combine sugar, milk, and butter in a robust saucepan, initiating a gentle heat process. Maintain constant stirring while elevating the temperature to a rolling boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 8 minutes, watching for a rich, caramel-like transformation.
3. Incorporate vanilla chips and marshmallow creme into the heated mixture, stirring until the chips completely dissolve and create a smooth, glossy texture. Remove from heat source and gently fold in vanilla extract and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy concoction.
4. Allow the praline mixture to rest and slightly cool for 2-3 minutes, developing a thick yet pliable consistency. If the mixture appears too dense, introduce a small amount of evaporated milk and thoroughly integrate to restore optimal texture.
5. Using a tablespoon, delicately drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared waxed paper, creating individual confectionery circles. Let the pralines settle and solidify at room temperature.
6. Once completely cooled, transfer the pralines to an airtight container, strategically positioning waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate structure.

Notes

• Pick a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution and prevent sugar from burning quickly.
• Stir continuously during cooking to avoid sugar crystallization and ensure smooth pralines.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, aiming for the soft-ball stage around 235-240°F.
• Allow pralines to cool completely before storing to maintain their signature crisp texture and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 259
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg