Easy Southern Praline Pecans Recipe

This easy southern praline pecans recipe is one of the best candied pecans recipes out there. It’s a delicious dessert that features a buttery and creamy rich flavor. They are rich, decadent, and always a treat around the holiday season. In this easy recipe I show you how to make the southern pecan pralines so that yours will be the hit of the party.

Easy Praline Recipe

 

The candied pecan pralines are made on the stovetop and are perfect for gift-giving around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you like pecans, you’ll love this sweet recipe. 

I always like to try different recipes, but I don’t like recipes that are too hard to make, and I’ve always been a bit nervous about making praline pecan candy.

But, this recipe is such a simple one and I am proud to say it’s a lot easier than you’d think, even if you’re doing it for the first time.

I made some of these the other day and sent some to my dad, who loves praline pecans, so they make the best holiday gift, even if you’re sending them a couple of days away.

He said they tasted great when they arrived.

Are pralines and pecans the same thing?

No, pecans are actually a nut and pralines are made out of pecans and caramelized sugar. Pralines can also be made out of almonds or other nuts and caramelized sugar. 

How long does it take for pralines to harden?

If you get the temperature up to 234-degrees, the candy will set up within 20 minutes to one hour. However, if you cook it and bring it to a higher temperature it will harden faster but will be more crumbly. 

What are pecan pralines made of?

Pecan praline candy is usually made with pecans, white and brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla. 

Ways to eat/use your candy

• Add praline pecans over ice cream
• Package them up and send them to a friend as a gift
• Hand them out at the office Christmas party
• Take them to a potluck
• Top a cake with the treats
• Break them up and add to a batter of brownies
• Eat them all yourself (hee hee, I like this idea a lot)

Pecan Praline Recipe Steps

Start by adding the white sugar to the saucepan. Turn the saucepan to medium-high or high heat. 

Next, add the brown sugar. 

Sprinkle the baking soda on top.

Pour the heavy whipping cream into the sugar mixture and stir it until everything is combined. 

This is how the mixture will look when it’s starting to cook.

Next, add the candy thermometer to the saucepan.

TIP: Be sure the thermometer doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan or the reading will be incorrect. 

Bring the mixture to a boil and keep it boiling until the temperature reaches 234-degrees, stirring often.

It will take about 15-20 minutes to get to that temperature. 

The color will continue to darken into a caramel color as it gets hotter. If it seems like it’s going to boil over, just stir it and it will settle down a bit. Just be careful because it’s hot.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the soft ball stage method. I don’t usually do it, because I am terrible at it. I like to use the thermometer instead.

Once the temperature of the ingredients reach 234-degrees, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract, and stir until the butter is melted. 

Next, add the pecans and stir to coat. Be sure to work fairly fast because the candy will begin to harden. 

More Candy Recipes

• Turtle candy is easy to make and combines pecans, caramel, and chocolate.
• This peanut brittle recipe is perfect for the holidays.
• Divinity candy is a favorite that families have been making for decades.
• Rock candy is a fun treat to make with the kids, and you can create all different colors.

Scoop the candy out onto tinfoil, sprayed with non-stick spray, and allow them to cool. They will set up pretty fast. 

I used a cookie scoop to scoop the pralines, but you can also use a spoon. 

Another great option is to use cupcake liners if you like your homemade praline pecan recipe to be a little more shapely.

Simply set them onto a large baking sheet and scoop the mixture into the liners.

Once they cool you can either leave them in the liners or pop them out.

They are so delicious and I love the crunchy pecans and rich flavors. It’s a recipe you will want to add to your recipe box.

How Do You Store The Pecan Pralines Recipe?

You can either keep the pecans in a large Ziplock baggie, or in an airtight container. But, wait until the homemade candy cools before closing it up so you don’t get moisture in the bag or container.

Are Praline Pecans And Candied Pecans The Same?

They are similar, but praline pecans are a type of candied pecans.

What Is The Difference Between Candied Pecans And Pralines?

Pralines usually have a deep caramel-like flavor and candied pecans are usually coated and cooked with egg whites and sugar.

Would Mixing Pecans And Walnuts Taste Good?

Absolutely! There is a lot of flavor in walnuts and pecans. It would be a tasty combination.

Variations and Additions to the Praline Pecans Recipe

While the traditional praline recipe is pretty much perfect on its own, there are several variations and additions you can try and add your own personal touch:

• Chocolate Coated Praline Pecans: Dip the cooled praline pecans into some melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
• Spiced Cinnamon Praline Pecans: For some added spice and flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the sugar mixture for a warm and aromatic twist to the candy pralines.
• Sea Salt Praline Pecans: Sprinkle a little bit of sea salt over the cooled praline pecans to add a little bit of savory to the sweet praline candies.
• Bourbon Praline Pecans: Add a splash of bourbon to the sugar mixture for a slight boozy and sophisticated flavor.