Pecan pralines are one of those sweet treats that turn a few simple ingredients into something special. This recipe combines toasted-tasting pecans with a buttery brown sugar caramel made with heavy cream, vanilla, and a little salt.

The mixture is cooked until thick, folded together with pecan halves, and scooped onto parchment paper to cool. Once set, the pralines have a firm, slightly crumbly texture with rich caramel flavor and plenty of pecans in every bite.

If you enjoy nutty and buttery desserts, you may also like my Pecan Sandies Cookies and Maple Walnut Cookies.

Pecan Praline Recipe

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These homemade Pecan Pralines are made with pecan halves coated in a rich brown sugar and cream caramel. They are easy to prepare in one saucepan and make a lovely sweet treat for gifting, holidays, or serving with coffee.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Cooling Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 18 Praline

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 170

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup 207 g granulated sugar
• 1 cup 225 g packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup 180 ml heavy whipping cream
• 4 tbsp 56 g unsalted butter, cubed
• ⅛ tsp baking soda
• 2¼ cups 212 g pecan halves
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Add the cubed butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat.
   
3. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then stir to combine.
   
4. Pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
   
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
6. Continue cooking until the caramel mixture thickens and reaches approximately 234–238°F (112–114°C).
   
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
8. Add the baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract, then stir until well combined.
9. Add the pecan halves and gently fold them into the caramel mixture until evenly coated.
   
10. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it thickens.
11. Scoop small portions of the pecan mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
    
12. Let the pralines cool completely until firm and set.
13. Carefully remove the pralines from the parchment paper, then serve and enjoy.
    

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSodium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g

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This Pecan Praline Recipe is a simple way to make a rich, nutty candy at home using one saucepan and a few basic ingredients. The brown sugar caramel coats the pecans beautifully, while the butter, cream, vanilla, and salt add depth to the sweetness. Let the pralines cool completely before serving so they have time to firm up and become easy to handle.

Vamsi

I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.