How to Make The BEST Southern Pecan Pralines

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Last Updated on September 16, 2025 by Lavonna Asbell

Pralines are what I look for when I visit New Orleans. There is something about those decadent, melt-in-your-mouth candies I just can’t resist. When I can’t make it to Louisiana and have a taste for these delightful treats, I whip out my go to pralines recipe. Walk with me as I share this easy recipe that will bring a taste of New Orleans to your home too.

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The Art of Praline Making: A Symphony of Flavors

Let’s delve into the components that bring these delightful Pralines to life:

What are Pralines?

Pecan pralines are a sweet, buttery candy made from sugar, cream or milk, butter, and pecans. They have a soft, almost fudge-like texture, with the crunchy pecans adding a nice contrast. Pralines are popular in the southern United States, especially in places like Louisiana, where they’re often enjoyed as a special treat or homemade gift. They’re rich, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them a perfect indulgence for anyone who loves nutty and sugary treats!

What’s the difference between pralines and brittle?

The main difference between praline and brittle is the texture and how they’re made. Pralines are softer and more creamy giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. On the other hand, brittle is crunchy and hard, made by cooking sugar to a higher temperature to create a candy that crunch when you bite into it, and it’s usually mixed with nuts like peanuts or almonds. So, while both are sweet and nutty, pralines are rich and soft, and brittle is crisp and crunchy!

What causes pralines not to harden?

When making pralines, they might not be prepared to the proper consistency if the sugar mixture isn’t cooked to the right temperature. Pralines need to reach the “soft ball stage,” which is about 235–240°F (113–116°C). If the mixture is removed from the heat too early, the sugar won’t set properly, leaving the pralines soft and sticky. Humidity can also be a factor, as moisture in the air can prevent pralines from hardening. To avoid this, make sure to cook them long enough and, if possible, on a dry day for best results.

Watch the Video: How to Make Pecan Pralines

Ingredients:

Pecans: The main ingredient. It provides that nutty, crunch goodness we all enjoy.
Butter: The Butter adds creaminess and helps to create that velvety texture.
Evaporated Milk: The evaporated milk contributes to the creamy consistency.
Sugar: The Sugar gives us sweetness and helps to create that rich texture.
Brown Sugar: The Brown Sugar also give us sweetness and adds depth and richness.
Vanilla Extract: The Vanilla Extract infuses a pleasant aroma and adds flavor.
Salt: The Salt balances the sweetness of the sugar and brown sugar to enhance the flavors.

What You Will Need:

Cooking Utensils
Cast Iron Skillet
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper

How to Make Pecan Pralines: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s uncover the culinary journey to creating these delectable Pralines:

1. Preparing the Skillet:

Using medium heat, bring a skillet to temperature. Add the sugar and brown sugar, mixing until they dissolve, creating your caramel base.

2. Infusing Flavors:

Once the sugars have dissolved, add the salt, vanilla extract, and pecans to the mixture, stirring gently until the aroma of toasted pecans fills the air and the mixture starts to thicken.

3. Shaping the Pralines:

Prepare a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a large spoon, carefully place spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the parchment paper, allowing them to set and cool.

How long do Pecan Pralines last?

Pecan pralines can last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh and delicious, make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place away from any moisture or heat, which can make them sticky or lose their texture. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze pralines for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying! They’re perfect for making ahead or gifting, as they hold up well for a while.

Savoring the Sweet Elegance: Enjoying Praline Bliss

Nothing beats the taste of homemade pralines recipe. These nutty, caramel treats are so elegant and delicious. Each bite of homemade Pralines, with their delightful crunch and buttery sweetness, is full of rich flavor. It’s a harmonious blend of all the things that make for a great candy.

Pralines can be enjoyed as a standalone treat or added to ice cream, crumbled on pancakes or waffles or shared as a thoughtful gift. However you chose to enjoy them, they are a sweet small bite of pleasure that won’t soon be forgotten.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up that frying pan, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to infuse your palate with the pleasures of indulgence. Craft these Pralines and relish in the joy of savoring a sweet delicacy that celebrates the art of confectionery in every irresistible bite.

FAQs

Do pralines need refrigeration?

No, since these are a delicious candy treat; in fact it’s not recommended to refrigerate due to the potential for the sugar to recrystallizing.

Can you freeze pralines?

Yes, for long term storage they can be frozen. Consider the maximum amount of time being no more than 3 months.

Can I use different nuts besides pecans?

Certainly, while pecans are traditional, you can substitute with almonds, walnuts and cashews. Be mindful that the flavor and texture will change but the recipe will remain the same.

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