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Pecan Pralines Recipe 1764199652.1678436

pecan pralines recipe

  • Author: Elina Mirkle
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pralines 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

This homemade pecan pralines recipe is a Southern classic, delivering a delightful bite with a satisfying crunch. It transforms basic pantry staples into buttery, melt-in-your-mouth handcrafted candies, perfect for a special yet simple dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup heavy cream (36% fat)
  • 0.5 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (or instant coffee powder)
  • 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate, minimum 70% cacao, for drizzling
  • 0.5 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Workspace: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a dry skillet, toast the pecan halves over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool slightly.
  2. Begin the Boil: In a heavy-bottomed 4-quart saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, water, fine sea salt, ground cardamom, and espresso powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Reach Soft Ball Stage: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Insert a candy thermometer (ensure it does not touch the bottom). Continue to boil without stirring until the temperature reaches 240°F (116°C).
  4. Add Flavors and Beat: Immediately remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Add the toasted pecan halves to the hot sugar mixture. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens, becomes opaque, and loses its glossy sheen.
  5. Quickly Drop Pralines: Working quickly before the mixture sets, drop large spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
  6. Drizzle with Chocolate: While the pralines are cooling but still warm, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  7. Garnish and Set: Using a spoon, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over each praline in a zigzag pattern. Immediately sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt before the chocolate hardens. Allow the finished pecan pralines to cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Notes

If your pralines do not set, return the mixture to heat and cook until it reaches exactly 240°F (116°C). Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor. Dark brown sugar or whole milk can be used as alternatives for some ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 praline (40 g)
  • Calories: 180 calories
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: pecan pralines, southern classic, homemade candy, easy dessert, caramel, toasted pecans, family recipe

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/pecan-pralines-recipe/