Southern Pecan Pralines, a New Orleans signature candy, are sweet and crunchy and are great for sharing.
Prep Time5mins
Cook Time30mins
Additional Time30mins
Total Time1hr5mins
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy, homemade, New Orleans, Pecans, pralines, southern
Servings: 1batch
Calories: 263kcal
Author: Jane Smith
Ingredients
1cupsugar
½cuplight brown sugar
½cupbuttermilk
1tablespoonlight corn syrup
½teaspoonbaking soda
¼teaspoonsalt
4tablespoonsunsalted butterat room temperature
1teaspoonvanilla extract
½teaspoonorange extractoptional
2cupschopped pecans
Instructions
In a heavy bottom saucepan, add the sugars, buttermilk, corn syrup, baking soda, and salt. Cook slowly over medium heat until the mixture reaches 235F on a candy thermometer.
Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon while it cooks. The mixture will begin to increase in volume as the temperature rises. Keep stirring making sure to stir the edges so the sauce doesn’t burn.
Remove from heat once it reaches 235F and add the butter, vanilla, orange extract, and pecans. Stir continuously for ten minutes until the mixture becomes thick.
As the sauce cools, it will turn into a thick, silky caramel. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets.