Mardi Gras Pecan Pralines Cream (Printer-friendly)

Creamy pecan confections with buttery richness, ideal for festive treats and southern-inspired sweets.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sugars

01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

→ Dairy

03 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
04 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Nuts

05 - 2 cups pecan halves

→ Flavorings

06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

# How to Prepare:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for later use.
02 - In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
03 - Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugars completely dissolve and the mixture begins to bubble.
04 - Add the butter to the hot sugar mixture and stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated.
05 - Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage), approximately 10-15 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Immediately add the vanilla extract, salt, and pecan halves. Stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy while remaining pourable.
07 - Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each praline approximately 2 inches apart.
08 - Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until fully set, about 20-30 minutes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These pralines strike that perfect balance between sugary sweet and nutty richness that Southern desserts do so well
  • The texture is absolutely incredible, creamy and slightly grainy all at once
02 -
  • Humidity affects candy making dramatically, so avoid making pralines on rainy or particularly humid days
  • The transformation from glossy syrup to creamy mixture happens in seconds, so do not walk away from the stove
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots that can scorch the sugar mixture
  • Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you turn on the stove

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