Description
Discover the rich and buttery delight of Southern Pecan Pralines, a classic homemade treat featuring toasted pecans coated in a creamy, caramelized sugar mixture. These pralines offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk plus a splash of vinegar)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional, can omit or replace with almond extract)
- 2 cups chopped pecans (toasted for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Pecans: Begin by toasting the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- Mix Sugars and Liquid Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, and light corn syrup. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, gently stirring to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (approximately 234°F to 240°F or 112°C to 115°C) on a candy thermometer. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Baking Soda and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and unsalted butter. Quickly but carefully mix until the baking soda causes the mixture to foam slightly, giving the pralines their characteristic creamy texture.
- Incorporate Flavorings and Pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract and optional orange extract, then fold in the toasted pecans until they are fully coated with the candy mixture.
- Shape the Pralines: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the pecan mixture onto wax paper or a greased baking sheet, shaping into individual pralines. Allow them to cool and harden at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve perfect texture.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, combine regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.
- To enhance the depth of flavor, toast the pecans just before use.
- Orange extract adds a subtle citrus note, but can be omitted or replaced with almond extract based on preference.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
