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Homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines

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Creamy, crunchy Southern pecan pralines with rich buttery vanilla flavors that melt in your mouth with every bite. This classic candy is easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups raw or toasted pecan halves
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and have a tablespoon-sized scoop ready.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and butter. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until sugars dissolve and mixture begins to foam and boil, 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Place a candy thermometer in the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thermometer registers between 235° to 240°F, 5 to 8 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and immediately stir in pecans, vanilla, and salt just until mixture begins to thicken and lose its glossiness, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not beat too long or it will seize up.
  5. Working quickly, drop heaping tablespoons onto prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. If mixture begins to thicken too much, add 1 teaspoon hot water and stir to keep mixture loose enough to scoop.
  6. Let cool to room temperature or until set, about 1 hour.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (235-240°F) for best results. Do not scrape the sides of the pot as the outermost layer will be crystallized. Work quickly when dropping the mixture onto parchment paper, as it stiffens as it cools.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.rapidrecipes.blog/homemade-vanilla-pecan-pralines/