New Orleans Pecan Pralines Recipe
If you’ve ever strolled through the French Quarter and caught a whiff of something sweet and nutty in the air, you’ve likely encountered the irresistible allure of New Orleans Pecan Pralines. These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth confections are a true Southern treasure, combining buttery caramel flavors with crunchy pecans for the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re looking to bring a bit of Big Easy magic into your kitchen or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe captures the essence of a beloved Louisiana classic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making New Orleans Pecan Pralines is all about simple, quality ingredients coming together to create a decadent candy with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Each element here plays a key role, so don’t be tempted to swap or skip—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
- Granulated sugar: This forms the base of your praline, creating that signature crystalline texture and sweetness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds depth, richness, and a hint of molasses that gives pralines their golden color.
- Whole milk: Provides creaminess and helps the sugars dissolve smoothly for a luscious finish.
- Unsalted butter: Delivers a velvety mouthfeel and enhances the overall flavor—don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- Pecan halves: The star of the show! Choose fresh, high-quality pecans for optimal crunch and nutty aroma.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a warm, aromatic finish that’s absolutely essential.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch brings out all the flavors and keeps the pralines from being overly sweet.
How to Make New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is your praline landing zone—having it ready ensures you can move quickly once the candy mixture is ready, since pralines set up fast.
Step 2: Combine and Heat the Ingredients
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, whole milk, and unsalted butter. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly, making sure the sugars dissolve and everything melds together into a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Boil and Monitor Temperature
Once everything is smooth, keep stirring as the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of your saucepan—this is your best friend for praline success! Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 238°F (the soft-ball stage), which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Add Pecans, Vanilla, and Salt
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the pure vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and all those glorious pecan halves. This is where your kitchen will begin to smell like heaven!
Step 5: Beat Until Thickened
Now, here’s the magic moment: stir the mixture vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes. It will start to thicken and turn slightly cloudy as the sugars begin to crystallize—this is exactly what you want for authentic New Orleans Pecan Pralines.
Step 6: Drop and Cool the Pralines
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. The mixture hardens fast, so don’t dawdle! Let the pralines cool and set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until they’re firm and ready to devour.
How to Serve New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, you can top your pralines with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. These simple touches make your New Orleans Pecan Pralines look as stunning as they taste!
Side Dishes
Serve your pralines alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong chicory coffee for the ultimate Southern dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or as a sweet finish to a holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual pralines in wax paper and tie with ribbon for a charming homemade gift, or arrange them on a vintage platter for a festive party centerpiece. You can even crumble them over pancakes or waffles for a decadent brunch twist—New Orleans Pecan Pralines make any occasion feel special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pralines have cooled and set completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their creamy texture and nutty crunch. Just make sure they’re stored in a single layer or separated by parchment to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, New Orleans Pecan Pralines freeze beautifully! Place the cooled pralines in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While pralines are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you find they’ve gotten a little too firm, you can soften them slightly by microwaving for just 5 to 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to preserve their signature texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
You can, but keep in mind that dark brown sugar will give your pralines a deeper molasses flavor and a darker color. Light brown sugar is traditional for classic New Orleans Pecan Pralines, but feel free to experiment!
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, but if you don’t have one, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, you’re at the right stage.
Can I use chopped pecans instead of pecan halves?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans work just as well and can make the pralines a bit easier to eat. Just be sure the nuts are fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
Why did my pralines turn out grainy?
Graininess usually happens if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or the mixture was over-stirred after cooling. Stir vigorously only as directed, and make sure all sugars are dissolved before boiling.
Are New Orleans Pecan Pralines gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe contains no wheat or gluten, so it’s perfect for gluten-free diets. Just double-check your vanilla extract and other ingredients to be sure they’re gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a batch of homemade New Orleans Pecan Pralines—each bite is a sweet little trip to Louisiana. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to friends, don’t be surprised if these Southern gems disappear fast. Give this recipe a try and let the charm of New Orleans fill your kitchen!
Print
New Orleans Pecan Pralines Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 pralines 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich, buttery sweetness of New Orleans Pecan Pralines, a classic Southern candy featuring caramelized pecans enveloped in a creamy, sugary coating. This easy stovetop recipe yields perfectly soft and chewy pralines with a deep vanilla flavor and a slight hint of salt to balance the sweetness, making it a beloved dessert and treat.
Ingredients
Praline Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Nuts
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow pralines to cool evenly.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter. Stir the mixture over medium heat constantly until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Attach a candy thermometer and keep cooking, stirring frequently, until the temperature reads 238°F (soft-ball stage), which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This ensures the correct texture for the pralines.
- Add flavor and nuts: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and pecan halves to infuse the candy with rich flavor and texture.
- Thicken the mixture: Vigorously stir the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken and take on a slightly cloudy appearance, indicating readiness for shaping.
- Form pralines: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, working fast before the candy hardens, to create individual praline shapes.
- Cool and set: Allow the pralines to cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until firm. Then store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperatures for perfect texture.
- If the mixture becomes too thick to scoop, gently warm it over low heat while stirring to soften.
- For a creamier praline, add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the milk mixture before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
