Name: New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1½ cups packed light brown sugar; 1 cup evaporated milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups pecans (halved or roughly chopped); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Small pinch fine sea salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Description

These classic New Orleans pecan pralines are rich, creamy, and full of buttery caramel flavor with crunchy toasted pecans. A melt-in-your-mouth Southern candy that’s perfect for gifting or indulging.

Ingredients

1½ cups granulated sugar

1½ cups packed light brown sugar

1 cup evaporated milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups pecans (halved or roughly chopped)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Small pinch fine sea salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

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Instructions

Prep Ahead:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside near the stove.

Measure out all ingredients before beginning (the process moves quickly).

Cook the Mixture:

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter.

Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth.

Monitor Temperature:

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.

Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches 235–240°F (soft-ball stage).

Finish & Add Pecans:

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, pecans, and sea salt if using.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and loses its glossy shine — this helps set the pralines.

Drop the Pralines:

Working quickly, drop heaping tablespoons of the praline mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, spacing them out to prevent sticking.

Cool and Store:

Let the pralines cool completely at room temperature until set and creamy-firm.

Gently peel from the parchment and enjoy, or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Toast the Pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.

If mixture starts setting too fast, stir in 1 teaspoon hot water to loosen.

Do not exceed 240°F or the texture may turn hard and brittle.

Storage Tip: Layer pralines between parchment sheets in an airtight container to prevent sticking.

Great for holiday gifts, dessert trays, or Southern-themed events.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern, Creole