Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe
Delight in the rich, creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor of Vanilla Pecan Pralines, a classic Southern candy combining buttery caramelized sugar, smooth vanilla chocolate, and crunchy toasted pecans into irresistible bite-sized treats.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 pralines 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Praline Mixture
- 2.5 cups granulated sugar
- 7 oz evaporated milk
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Flavorings & Add-ins
- 11 oz vanilla chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz marshmallow creme
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. Stir to combine before heating.
- Dissolve Sugar: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Boil to Temperature: Allow the mixture to boil without stirring, carefully monitoring with a candy thermometer until it reaches 245°F (118°C), the firm ball stage.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla chocolate chips until fully melted and incorporated for a rich vanilla flavor.
- Mix in Marshmallow Creme and Vanilla: Stir in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly combined, giving the pralines their creamy texture.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the candy mixture.
- Form Pralines: Drop rounded tablespoons of the praline mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Cool and Set: Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until set and firm before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching the sugar mixture.
- Stir constantly during sugar dissolution to avoid grainy pralines.
- The firm ball stage at 245°F is critical for proper praline texture.
- Marshmallow creme helps create a creamier, smoother praline instead of a grainy candy.
- Ensure pralines cool completely at room temperature to set properly.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Keywords: vanilla pecan pralines, Southern candy, pecan candy, homemade pralines, caramel candy, vanilla chocolate pralines