This pecan praline recipe creates rich, buttery candies packed with crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gifts or a sweet treat at home, these pralines are easy to make and utterly delicious.
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and set aside.
Next, combine sugar, light brown sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup, baking soda, and salt in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Cook slowly over medium heat until the mixture reaches 235 °F 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 235 °F 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.