Barry'S Pecan Pralines
Creamy, rich pecan pralines with a deep caramel flavor and crunchy pecans, perfect for sweet tooths and festive occasions, offering a delightful southern treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 3/4 cup of dry sugar in a medium saucepan and heat on medium-high until the sugar melts and turns a rich brown (beer bottle brown).
- Carefully add the evaporated milk to the melted sugar, avoiding boiling over, and let it settle down.
- Add the remaining ingredients: 3 3/4 cups sugar, evaporated milk, 1 stick margarine/butter, 1 tablespoon imitation vanilla extract, and 2 cups chopped fresh pecans.
- Heat the mixture to the soft-ball stage, about 20 minutes on medium-high heat for electric stoves and close to high for gas stoves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be delicious substitutes. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning as it heats. To check for the soft-ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture in cold water; it should form a soft ball that can be easily flattened.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines are delightful on their own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumbled over a dessert like *Mom'S Old-Fashioned Burnt Sugar Cake*. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting treat. They make wonderful gifts when wrapped in decorative packaging.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, refrigerate them to prevent stickiness. To enjoy them later, allow them to come to room temperature after refrigeration before serving, as this restores their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barry'S Pecan Pralines contains roughly 1366 calories, with 11g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of imitation?
Yes, you can use regular vanilla extract for a more authentic flavor. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the color of the pralines, but the taste will be enhanced.
What should I do if my pralines don't set?
If your pralines don't set, it may be because the mixture didn't reach the soft-ball stage. You can try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it a bit longer, ensuring to test it again in cold water.
Can I make these pralines vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and use coconut or almond milk instead of evaporated milk. This will create a delicious vegan version of the pralines.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).