The south is famous for a lot of things, but nothing is as sweet and delicious as Southern pecan pralines! This almost magical blend of butter, brown sugar and milk literally melts in your mouth with every gratifying bite. If you follow a keto lifestyle, don’t miss our Keto pecan pralines recipe too!
One thing to always keep in mind is that candy making can be finicky. Very minor things, such as kitchen temperature, or humidity can affect the pralines. Never make candy on a rainy day, it won’t set properly.
Before you begin make sure you have your pans prepared and all of your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go. You won’t have time to stop and measure in the middle.
If you haven’t already, be sure to test the accuracy of your candy thermometer, even a degree difference can cause the candy recipe to fail.
Southern Pecan Pralines
This traditional Southern pecan pralines recipe makes 36 large pralines.
You’ll Need:
1½ cups brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
6 Tbsp butter
½ cup evaporated milk
2 cups pecans
½ tsp salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Line 2 baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. In large saucepan combine sugars, butter, milk, pecans and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 238 degrees or “soft ball” stage. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and bourbon (if using).
Stir the mixture rapidly — and keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes cloudy and grainy. The pecans should be floating in the mixture and should no longer sink to the bottom.
Spoon out the mixture onto the prepared pans, working quickly before the candy sets. Allow pralines to cool completely before removing from baking sheets.
So delish.