Homemade Southern Pecan Pralines are perfect little treats loaded with creamy, caramelized sugar toasty pecan crunch.
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Servings 24servings
Ingredients
1 ½cupssugar
½cupbuttermilk(whole, not reduced fat)
1 ½tablespoonslight corn syrup
½teaspoonbaking soda
⅛teaspoonsalt
⅔cuppecanschopped and toasted
1 ½teaspoonsbutter
2teaspoonsvanilla
Instructions
Combine the sugar, buttermilk, corn syrup, baking soda and salt in a heavy bottomed, large saucepan.
Cook over low heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking over low heat and stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 234 degrees (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer (about 10 minutes).
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir in the nuts, butter and vanilla.
Beat with a wooden spoon until mixture just begins to lose its shine and hold its shape (anywhere from 4 to 6 minutes).
Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.
Let stand until completely cool and set.
Notes
When stored at room temperature in a closed container, pralines will last up to two weeks. They can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Substitute any type of nuts you like. Although pecans are traditional, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, and more all work very well.