Name: New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar; 1.25 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed); 0.25 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 cup Evaporated Milk; 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 2 cups Chopped Pecans

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Get ready to delight your senses with the irresistible charm of New Orleans Pecan Pralines! There’s something incredibly inviting about the way these classic Southern treats combine rich, buttery sweetness with the satisfying crunch of pecans. Imagine the warmth of brown sugar and vanilla enveloping each bite – a flavor so nostalgic, you’ll want to savor every morsel. Fun fact: Pecan pralines have long been a staple of Southern hospitality, famously given as gifts during the holidays and at family gatherings.

What makes them really special? This recipe is a breeze to whip up in your own kitchen, with no candy thermometer required! In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of melt-in-your-mouth pralines the whole family will adore. If you’ve enjoyed our Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies recipe, you’ll appreciate the same simplicity and crowd-pleasing sweetness in these pralines. So gather your favorite people, because it’s time to create a little magic with sugar, pecans, and love!

What is New Orleans Pecan Pralines?

Ever wondered what makes a New Orleans Pecan Praline so unique – and why exactly it’s called a praline in the first place? Picture this: somewhere in the heart of the French Quarter, a chef tossed together sugar, butter, and pecans, and accidentally invented the perfect sweet treat. Was it a happy accident, or pure culinary genius? Honestly, who cares, as long as we get to enjoy them! As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and pralines just might be the shortcut. If you’re craving a bite of New Orleans tradition, now’s your chance to try this recipe and capture a little of that Southern magic at home!

Why You’ll Love This

New Orleans Pecan Pralines are the ultimate treat for anyone craving something sweet, nutty, and decadent. The real highlight is the contrast of textures: firm and creamy candy that melts on your tongue, paired with the earthy crunch of toasted pecans. Why pay a premium at a specialty candy shop when you can whip up a whole batch at home for a fraction of the cost? Plus, crafting your own pralines means you control the quality of the ingredients – buttery-rich, full of fresh pecan flavor, and without any artificial preservatives.

The ingredient list is simple but oh-so-effective, creating that signature brown sugar flavor with notes of vanilla and a hint of salt. If you loved our Southern Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll definitely appreciate the similar, nutty caramelly undertones here. Don’t just dream about them – treat yourself! Set aside a little time and experience for yourself why pralines have been beloved for generations.

How to Make

Quick Overview

You’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to make authentic New Orleans Pecan Pralines in your own kitchen! This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, using only a few pantry staples you probably already have. These pralines are a fantastic way to impress guests or treat yourself after a long day. The simple stovetop method means no special equipment required – just a saucepan, a wooden spoon, and your favorite baking sheet for cooling. Prepare to swoon over the perfect balance of creamy, caramelly candy and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

1 1⁄4 cups granulated sugar
1 1⁄4 cups light brown sugar, packed
1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup evaporated milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

Step-by-Step

First, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside. This will be the surface for your pralines to set.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and butter.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a steady boil, about 5–6 minutes.
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and reaches a soft-ball stage, or about 236–240°F on a candy thermometer (if using), another 8–10 minutes. If you don’t have a thermometer, the mixture will look glossy and bubbly, and when you drop a bit into cold water, it will form a soft, pliable ball.
Immediately remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Working quickly, use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each mound – they will spread slightly as they cool.
Allow the pralines to cool and set at room temperature, about 20–30 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch but still a little tender inside.
Enjoy right away, or transfer to an airtight container for storage!

What to Serve New Orleans Pecan Pralines With

These Southern pralines are perfect as a sweet snack all on their own, but they’re also fabulous when paired with other treats. Serve them with a mug of dark roast coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re entertaining guests, arrange them on a dessert platter alongside chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, or fresh fruit for variety. For a more decadent experience, crumble a praline over vanilla ice cream or creamy rice pudding. No matter how you serve them, pralines always add a special touch of Southern hospitality!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start, since the cooking and mixing stages move quickly.
Don’t walk away from the stove! Stirring constantly ensures the sugars dissolve evenly and prevents scorching.
For softer pralines, drop the candy onto the baking sheet while still warm and glossy. For firmer pralines, let the mixture cool just a minute longer.
Allergic to pecans? Try substituting with walnuts or almonds for a different twist.
If the mixture sets too quickly before you’re done scooping, add a teaspoon or two of hot water and stir to loosen it again.
Avoid making pralines on very humid days, as the candy can take longer to set or sometimes become sticky.
Store in a single layer with parchment between each to keep them from sticking together.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your pralines fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place layers of parchment or wax paper between stacks to prevent sticking. If you need to keep them longer, pralines can be frozen: wrap each in plastic wrap, then store in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature (about 30 minutes). Avoid reheating pralines in the microwave, as this can make them too soft or unevenly melted. Enjoy leftovers straight from the container or give them a few seconds’ warm-up at room temp for the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, but dark brown sugar will yield a stronger molasses flavor and a deeper color in your pralines.

Why did my pralines turn out grainy?
Graininess usually happens when the sugar crystals aren’t fully dissolved. Stir constantly, and make sure you cook the sugar mixture thoroughly over medium heat.

Do I have to use a candy thermometer?
Nope! While a thermometer guarantees accuracy, you can still make great pralines by watching for the glossy bubble stage and using the “soft-ball” test in cold water.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, but use a larger saucepan and prepare your baking sheet ahead of time – the mixture sets quickly.

My pralines didn’t set – what happened?
If your candy doesn’t firm up, it may have been undercooked. Next time, cook to a slightly higher temperature, and be sure to use the soft-ball stage as your guide.

Conclusion

There’s a reason New Orleans Pecan Pralines have stood the test of time: their buttery sweetness, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and nutty crunch are simply irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, anyone can bring a taste of Southern charm into their kitchen. Whether you’re making a batch for the holidays, a party, or a simple sweet treat, these pralines are sure to win over friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your praline adventures – because the best treats are always the ones you share!