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Irresistible Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe You Have to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Vanilla Pecan Pralines. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla is best)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • Optional substitution: for a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and coconut oil for milk and butter
  • Optional: a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist

Instructions

  1. Start by toasting your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. This step brings out the nutty flavor that Mama Lu always swore by.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and salt. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugars dissolve completely.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully and use a candy thermometer if you have one—it should reach about 238°F (soft ball stage). This usually takes around 10-12 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the butter pieces and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes creamy, about 3 minutes. This is the moment when the magic happens, and you’ll see the texture change.
  5. Add the toasted pecans and fold them in gently but thoroughly. Be ready to work quickly before the praline mixture sets.
  6. Using two spoons, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mama Lu never measured these—she always said, “Drop ‘em like you mean it.” Aim for walnut-sized mounds.
  7. Let the pralines cool and harden at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. They’ll firm up but stay soft and chewy inside.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/vanilla-pecan-pralines/