Name: New Orleans Pecan Squares Pralines
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 1/2 cups chopped pecans; Extra pecan halves, for topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pecan squares capture the flavor of classic Southern pralines in a portable, bite-sized form. The contrast between the crisp, buttery crust and the soft, caramelized pecan filling is absolutely addictive. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with a warm drink. Plus, the recipe is simple and makes a big batch—ideal for holidays or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the pecan filling
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Pecan halves, for garnish

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for easy removal later.
To make the crust, I mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl. I cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or my fingers until the mixture is crumbly, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
I bake the crust for 15 minutes until it’s just turning golden. While it bakes, I start on the filling.
In a saucepan over medium heat, I combine the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), cream, and butter. I bring it to a gentle boil, stirring until everything is melted and smooth.
I remove the mixture from the heat, then stir in the vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.
I pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. For a pretty touch, I top it with a few extra pecan halves.
I return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, just until the filling is set and bubbling slightly.
I let the pan cool completely—sometimes even chilling it in the fridge—before lifting it out and slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

Yield: 16 squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: 1 square
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the filling for a deeper flavor. I’ve also made a bourbon-spiked version by stirring in a tablespoon of bourbon with the vanilla—perfect for adult holiday treats. If I want a twist, I use maple syrup instead of honey, which gives a slightly smokier sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I store these squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If I want them to slice neatly, I chill them first and use a sharp knife. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

Do I have to use honey, or can I substitute with something else?

Yes, I’ve used maple syrup in place of honey and it works wonderfully. It gives the praline filling a slightly different but equally rich flavor.

Can I toast the pecans beforehand?

Definitely. I like to toast the pecans in a dry skillet or oven for 5–7 minutes—it brings out their natural oils and enhances the nuttiness.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

I make sure the crust is baked until lightly golden before pouring on the filling. This creates a nice barrier that holds up well under the pecan mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day or two ahead. They hold up great in the fridge and actually taste even better once they’ve had time to settle.

How can I cut these neatly?

I chill the squares first, then use a sharp knife lightly greased with oil or butter. Wiping the blade clean between cuts also helps get perfect edges.

Conclusion

These New Orleans Pecan Squares Pralines are a sweet, nutty, and indulgent treat that brings Southern charm to every bite. I love their rich, gooey filling and crisp, buttery crust—especially when they’re chilled and perfectly sliced. Whether I’m baking them for a party, a gift box, or just a cozy treat for myself, they always satisfy my sweet tooth.