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Pecan Pralines

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pecan pralines recipe

It is Mardi Gras week and pecan pralines are about as southern as it gets.

When I was living in Charleston, I used to have a job selling seats on horse drawn carriage tours. It was mind-numbingly boring, but it paid for beers and chicken sandwiches at Wild Wings. Anyway, next to my booth was a candy store that made pecan pralines all day long and the smell was intoxicating. It taunted me for 8 hours at a time. Okay, maybe it paid for beers, chicken sandwiches, and pecan pralines. The girls that worked in the candy store used to stand outside and hand out samples, anyone that walked by and took one was a goner. They all went into the store and came out with a praline in hand. There are very few things that I make that bring me back to a place and time like these pralines do. I took a bite and was immediately back on Market Street.

Pralines are not hard to make, but with candy-making, you have to follow the directions exactly. You can’t start these and walk off to check your email. You need to babysit the pot because the sugar needs to reach a specific temperature in order for the candy to harden properly. It is also smart to not make these on a really humid day. They can get grainy if it is too humid. Which blows my mind that the pralines that they make in Charleston and New Orleans are so smooth. They are the most humid places I have ever been.

Also, you must use a candy thermometer. I use a high quality digital thermometer but I have made many candies using a cheap one that you get at the grocery store. Be sure to calibrate it to make sure that it reads correctly. 9 times out of 10, if your candy doesn’t work it is because your temps were off.

how to make pecan pralines

2 cups pecan halves and pieces
3 cups light brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt

pecan praline recipes

Spread the pecans out in a single layer on a sheet pan. Roast in a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until toasted. Cool completely. Line two baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper. Set them aside.

how to make pecan pralines

Add the brown sugar, cream, butter, and corn syrup to a heavy bottomed Dutch oven.

pecan praline recipe

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

pecan praline recipe

Boil until a candy thermometer reaches 236 degrees (soft ball stage).

pecan praline recipe

Take the sugar off the heat and let cool until the thermometer reaches 150 degrees. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

charleston pecan praline recipe

Stir in vanilla and salt.

pecan praline recipe

Add pecans.

how to make pecan pralines

Stir constantly for one to two minutes or until it begins to lose its gloss.

praline recipe

Working quickly, drop onto parchment lined baking sheets. Let cool until they are firm, 10 to 15 minutes.

pecan praline recipe

Thank you to Ballard Designs for providing me these gorgeous serving pieces to celebrate Mardi Gras. They were gifted to me, but all opinions are my own. You can find the tea glasses and tray on the Ballard Designs website. 

Pecan Pralines

bakedbree
Pecan Pralines - Just like you get on Market Street in Charleston.
No ratings yet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pecan halves and pieces
  • 3 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Spread the pecans out in a single layer on a sheet pan. Roast in a 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until toasted. Cool completely. Line two baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper. Set them aside.
  • Add the brown sugar, cream, butter, and corn syrup to a heavy bottomed Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil until a candy thermometer reaches 236 degrees (soft ball stage).
  • Take the sugar off the heat and let cool until the thermometer reaches 150 degrees. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Stir in vanilla and salt. Add pecans.Stir constantly for one to two minutes or until it begins to lose its gloss.
  • Working quickly, drop onto parchment lined baking sheets. Let cool until they are firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe Rating




Lowcountry Boil with Step by Step Instructions | Baked Bree

Tuesday 8th of September 2020

[…] Pecan Pralines […]

Patrick

Tuesday 11th of March 2014

Disaster! I tried this, with proper ingredients and careful measuring, etc. The result was like wet brown sugar, with no chewiness at all. Afterwards I reviewed a bunch of other recipes, and I think you are missing the part about being really careful not to stir once the mixture comes to a boil, until after the target temperature is reached. Since the boiling mixture quickly becomes a supersaturated solution, any mixing will trigger the sugar to crystallize before it carmelizes. You don't want this.

bakedbree

Tuesday 11th of March 2014

I am sorry that this recipe did not work out for you. Pralines are not chewy at all. They do not have a chewy, fudgy texture at all. They are crumbly. The recipe that I used is from Southern Living, which I believe to be a very reliable source when it comes to Southern confections. It calls for stirring. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pecan-pralines-50400000117951/

Caroline

Monday 3rd of March 2014

I love Charleston! We were there several years ago and had the best time...and ate some awesome food! I didn't get to taste the pralines, but I do have a friend who brings me pecans from Georgia every so often. Now I know what I'm doing with the next bag! These look heavenly! Pinning right now!

bakedbree

Tuesday 4th of March 2014

Yes you do! These are really sweet, but worth it!

Amanda

Sunday 2nd of March 2014

You inspired me on a snowy Sunday, and my entire family is very thankful as a result. Turned out great--thanks for the recipe.

bakedbree

Tuesday 4th of March 2014

I am so glad! Hope that you liked them. Happy Mardi Gras!

Ryan

Sunday 2nd of March 2014

Isn't Charleston lovely? I go to C of C right now and I can't imagine living in a more beautiful place, and the pralines are the best! i made some chocolate rum pralines recently, SO good. I'll have to try this recipe soon!

bakedbree

Tuesday 4th of March 2014

It is! It holds a special place in my heart.