Creamy Pecan Praline Candy

Plate of finished pralines with small bowls of pecans and brown sugar on the side.

5 from 3 votes

Whether you’re looking to share these Southern delights as a gift or to satisfy your sweet tooth, making homemade praline candy is a rewarding and delicious experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Course candy, Desserts

Cuisine American, Cajun and Creole

Cook Time 33

Total Time 33

Servings dozen

Calories 189kcal

Author Lisa B.

Ingredients

2 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

Combine the sugars, milk, baking soda, salt and corn syrup in a 3-quart stock pot. Once stirred together, the mixture will have the consistency of wet sand.
Heat the mixture over medium low heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium and bring the sugar to a full rolling boil. Rolling boil means the liquid does not stop boiling when it's stirred. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the sugar and stir frequently to prevent the sugar from burning.
Continue to boil, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches soft ball stage, or 235 degrees F, on a candy thermometer. This should take approximately seven minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla and pecans.
Stir vigorously for 30 seconds to one minute until the pralines begin to thicken and they feel harder to stir.
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed or parchment paper. Allow the pralines to cool completely.

Video

Notes

Store pralines in a large airtight storage container with a secure lid. Place a layer of waxed or parchment paper in between the layers. Store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to three weeks.

It is not recommended to refrigerate pralines. The moisture in the air can cause the sugars to recrystallize and affect the texture. They can, however, be frozen. Wrap each one in a layer of waxed paper before placing them in the storage container. The pralines can be frozen for up to three months. Leave the praline in the waxed paper while it thaws at room temperature.

Nutrition