I'm feeling so happy to share this Creole Pecan Pralines recipe with you! I promise that these Pecan Pralines are the BEST. It's completely addicting.

These pralines from New Orleans, which are also called pecan candy, taste and crunch like pecans and have a caramel and buttery sweetness. They also have just the right amount of sweetness. Feel like you're in Louisiana when you make these tasty treats.

It's hard to explain how these traditional Southern pecan pralines melt in your mouth. Even though they taste something like caramel, they aren't overly sticky or soft, but they're bite-sized and not overly chewy.

It is evident that pecan pralines came as a French candied almond recipe, which was subsequently transformed into this traditional Creole candy when in the 18th century it was introduced to New Orleans.

What Are Pecan Pralines?

In general, pralines are a French treat. However, the majority of Americans know that pecan pralines originated in New Orleans.

The French recipe called for almonds, but the cooks in New Orleans used pecans instead. To give the sweet a creamy texture, they also added cream.

Pecan pralines, often known as "pecan candy," are made with cream, butter, brown sugar, and pecans. They are incredibly sweet and have a texture that is creamy and fudge-like. 

Why You’ll Love This Creole Pecan Pralines Recipe?

• Easy components: This recipe is usually made with easy-to-find ingredients, so even home bakers can make it.
• Sweet, Nutty Flavor: New Orleans Pralines have a distinct pecan flavor and are rich and sweet. They smell amazing, too.
• Delicious Caramelized Sweetness: Pecans, brown sugar, and butter come together to make a caramelized sweetness that is hard to resist.
• Special Occasions: Creole Pecan Pralines are frequently given as gifts for Christmas and other holidays. The best thing about them is their handcrafted charm and sweet richness, which make them a wonderful and precious gift.

How To Make Creole Pecan Pralines?

As I told you above making these Creole Pecan Pralines at home is much easier. You'll find the detailed recipe with exact ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions below on the recipe card.

What To Serve With Pralines?

Many things go well with Creole Pecan Pralines. These are some suggestions:

• Ice Cream: The idea of pairing creamy vanilla ice cream with buttery, nutty pralines sounds amazing, but I've never tried it. Delicious!
• Christmas dessert board: An elegant dessert tray filled with a variety of delectable sweets, such as pralines, biscuits, and petite pastries, would make for an exquisite spread.
• Gift baskets: To make a meaningful and tasty gift, put these Creole Pecan Pralines in baskets with luxury coffee, tea, or chocolates. 

Substitutions & Variations

• Flavorings: Use a variety of flavorings to give your Creole Pecan Pralines a unique twist. For rum pralines, try adding a splash of alcohol or even almond extract. Add a little cacao powder to make chocolate pralines, which are also very popular.
• Texture Enhancers: You can change the texture by adding things like shredded coconut to make it chewier. 

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips for perfect pralines candy:

• Use a candy thermometer. To ensure that your pralines turn out perfectly, make sure the temperature is just right.
• Do not overmix or undermix. To achieve the ideal consistency, start by slowly stirring constantly as the sugar melts, and then gradually increase the stirring frequency as the temperature approaches the softball stage. Be patient!
• Quickly spread pralines using a silicon spatula or spoon once the praline mixture is done cooking.
• If your praline mixture thickens too quickly while making candy, add a few drops of warm milk or water.
• Pralines will last up to a week if stored in an airtight container.

FAQ’S

How Long Does It Take Pralines To Harden?

For pralines to harden up, it usually takes thirty minutes after making them. To be honest, the sweet shouldn't be so hard! If it's hard, it's probably because you overcooked them. Pralines should be slightly softer yet still firm. Particularly if they are made freshly. In my opinion, pralines get harder over time. 

Do Pralines Need To Be Refrigerated?

No. I wouldn't advocate refrigerating these Creole Pecan Pralines because it would change the texture. I suggest keeping pralines in an airtight container at room temperature.

What Is The Difference Between A Pecan And A Praline?

Although they are related, praline pecans and pecans are different in taste and preparation:

A pecan is a kind of nut, whereas praline is a sweet made from sugar and nuts. A lot of people use pecans to make pralines, but you can also use almonds or hazelnuts.

Make Creole Pecan Pralines today and have fun with them! These are really excellent! After making this quick and easy homemade Creole pecan praline recipe, you will never buy store-bought praline again.

Creole Pecan Pralines

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Category

Dessert

Cuisine

American

Servings

24 praline

Prep Time

15 minutes

Creole Pecan Pralines, one of the most iconic New Orleans desserts, are sweet, nutty candies made with pecans, cream, and a few other ingredients. They aren't overly sticky or soft, but tasty and crunchy with the right amount of sweetness.

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Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves

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Directions

1. Line a sheet pan or a cutting board with parchment paper. Use silicone baking mats or spray-greased foil. Set aside.

2. Place a saucepan over medium heat with a candy thermometer. Make sure that the thermometer does not touch the pan's bottom. Add all ingredients except for the vanilla extract and pecans. Cook over high heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture reaches 238 and 240 degrees (soft ball stage).

3. Add in the vanilla and pecans. Stirring the mixture for about one minute to cool before spooning it into the prepared pans. Working fast, spread pralines generously on the prepared pans using a tablespoon. It is best if the sugar spreads somewhat and the pecans are stacked on top of each other.

4. Before removing them from the pan, let the candies cool and solidify for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

Recipe Note

Here are a few tips for perfect pralines candy:

• Do not overmix or undermix. To achieve the ideal consistency, start by slowly stirring constantly as the sugar melts, and then gradually increase the stirring frequency as the temperature approaches the softball stage. Be patient!
• If you allow the mixture to cool down too much before dividing it, candies might not spread as much. They will still taste fantastic, but they might not look as nice.
• If your praline mixture thickens too quickly while making candy, add a few drops of warm milk or water.
• Pralines will last up to a week if stored in an airtight container.