Praline Pecans Recipe

These sweet and salty Pecan Pralines are a delicious Southern treat that is so fun to make. They’re also easy enough that the kids can help!

Crunchy pecans in a rich, buttery flavored candy make for a fun and easy sweet treat everyone will enjoy.

Southern Pecan Pralines are a delicious dessert that I first discovered at a little candy shop in Savannah, GA. And from the first time I bit into one, I was hooked! And you will be too. Not only is it just a popular southern candy, it is the official candy of Louisiana and a signature New Orleans sweet.

These old fashioned pecan pralines are easy to make with just a handful of common ingredients, many of which might already be in your pantry. It’s a little bit candy, a little bit cookie, and a whole lot delicious! And the whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes. Sweet, simple, speedy, what’s not to love?

They’re so simple, they make a great activity with the kids over the weekend or during holiday break. Speaking of holidays, these tasty little treats make great gifts for neighbors or teachers. And they are a perfect dessert option for any holiday dinner or party.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Praline Recipe

• Delicious – This classic Southern candy recipe is made with crunchy pecans wrapped in a homemade caramel sauce.
• Easy Recipe–  This classic candy recipe is an old south tradition made with just a few simple ingredients and easy enough for someone with the most minimal candy making skills.       
• Quick Recipe – These chewy pralines come together in about 30 minutes. 
• Festive – This perfect homemade pecan praline candy recipe is great for gift-giving and as party food.

Homemade Pecan Praline Recipe Ingredients

This easy pecan pralines recipe is made with simple ingredients you might even have sitting around your kitchen.

Pecans – chopped or crushed

White Sugar

Brown Sugar – Light or dark brown sugar can be used 

Butter – I prefer unsalted butter for this recipe

Evaporated Milk – note that this is not the same as condensed milk

Vanilla Extract – Be sure it’s in-date for best flavor

Equipment Needed To Make Homemade Pralines

• Large Saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Candy Thermometer
• Wax paper or parchment paper

Substitutions & Alterations

• You can switch up the nuts and make Almond Pralines or Peanut Pralines.
• Add some chocolate chips to the mixture to make Chocolate Pecan Praline.
• Instead of chocolate chips, try peanut butter or butterscotch chips for a great flavor twist

How to Make Perfect Pecan Pralines 

These are just a Step-by-Step Instructions overview. You’ll find a more detailed description in the recipe card below. 

Step 1 – Combine sugars and evaporated milk in a large pot and give a little stir before heating.

Step 2 – Remove from heat and add butter. Do not stir. Allow to cool.

Step 3 – Add vanilla and pecans. Stir to combine.

Step 4 – Scoop or spoon individual mounds onto prepared baking sheet.

Step 5 – Let cool about 30 minutes.

Step 6 – Remove from pan.

Time-Saving Tips to Make the Best Praline Pecans

• Be sure to use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the right temperature of the candy during the cooking process.
• Make a double or triple batch of this sweet and savory candy and give to friends in tins or cellophane bags.
• I like to use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness level of the pralines.
• Avoid scraping the bottom of the pan when scooping out the praline mixture
• Be sure to allow the pralines to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from sticking together.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container.

How to Serve

Serve these delectable pecan pralines at your Christmas dinner or holiday party. They’re great on their own , with some ice cream, or as part of a dessert-style charcuterie board with some Almond Roca, Homemade 3-Ingredient Toffee, and Festive Peppermint Fudge then sprinkle the whole thing with S’mores Style Snack Mix.

You can also place some pralines in a decorative tin and give away as gifts during the holiday season. They’re great for neighbors and the kids’ teachers

How to Store Pecan Praline Candy

Store pecan pralines in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool area away from direct sunlight. Stored properly, leftover pralines can last anywhere from 1-3 weeks.

To ensure they don’t stick together, I like to place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer.

You can also freeze praline candies for up to 3 months. Place a small piece of parchment or wax paper between each, wrap the whole thing in foil or plastic wrap , and store in a well-sealed freezer safe bag.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Pecan Pralines and Praline Pecans?

The major difference between the two is Pecan Praline is a “cluster candy” where the ingredients are cooked and shaped into a patty or disc or broken into pieces. Praline pecans are whole, individual nuts covered in a light praline coating. Both are absolutely delicious.

Why are pecan pralines so popular in the South?

The original recipe for pralines first came to the southern United States in the early 1700s via French settlers in Louisiana. It is said French nuns of the Ursuline order taught young women in New Orleans how to make them as part of “a lady’s training”. 

Eventually, “unemployable” free women of color learned to make this creamy southern candy and began selling them in the French Quarter to tourists and to shiphands and dock workers. These independent vendors selling their river street sweets were so popular, and financially successful, they became known as Pralinières. 

From the streets and shipyards of New Orleans, pralines traveled all along the Mississippi River to the deep south and beyond to become tremendously popular. Today, southern pralines are the official candy of Louisiana and of New Orleans in particular.

More Homemade Candy Recipes

Easy Homemade Fudge

Crockpot Peanut Cluster Candy

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls

Homemade Marshmallow Peeps

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