A batch of pecan pralines i made last night

Funny story—last night I decided, “Hey, why not make pecan pralines?” Spoiler alert: my kitchen now smells like a southern candy shop exploded, and I couldn’t be happier about it. These little sweet bites are dangerously easy to make but might just cause family members to hover around you like vultures waiting for a crumb. If you’ve never made pralines before, don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through the sticky, sweet, and nutty magic without any kitchen disasters. Just a pinch of patience and a dash of love, and you’ll be happily licking your fingers in no time!

Quick Facts

• Yield: About 20 pralines
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by combining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk in a sturdy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. This is the base of your pralines’ creamy sweetness.

Step 2:

Add the unsalted butter and salt, stirring well until the butter melts completely and the mixture thickens just a bit (about 5-7 minutes). This is where patience pays off because you want a smooth, glossy texture to emerge.

Step 3:

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecans. Quickly but gently, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. The spoonfuls will start glossy, then firm up as they cool.

Step 4:

Let the pralines cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. They’ll harden into that perfect fudge-like texture with a satisfying crunch from the pecans.

Step 5:

Once firm, lift them off the parchment and place them on a pretty plate—or directly into your sweet tooth’s waiting hands!

Variations & Tips

• Use toasted pecans for an extra nutty depth.
• Swap evaporated milk for heavy cream for a richer praline.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
• If sugary crystals form, reheat gently with a splash of milk.
• Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning the sugar.
• Work quickly when dropping spoonfuls so they set with the ideal texture.

How I Like to Serve It

Pecan pralines are perfect as a sweet finish to a southern-inspired meal or as a nostalgic treat on holiday weekends. They pair beautifully with hot coffee or a creamy glass of milk. I love wrapping them up as little gifts during the holidays—they’re always a hit!

Notes

• Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If pralines get too hard, soften briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Closing: Trust me, once you’ve made these pecan pralines, they’ll become your go-to sweet that never fails to impress and satisfy.