Chewie Pralines
Chewie Pralines are rich, chewy candies with caramel and pecan flavors, perfect for sweet tooths and holiday gatherings, offering a delightful crunch and buttery sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a heavy pan, adding sugar and salt, stirring thoroughly.
- Add syrup and stir well, then slowly add milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to 240 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add pecan pieces and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Drop spoonfuls onto buttered muffin tins to form uniform-sized candies.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra chewy texture, make sure not to overcook the mixture past 240 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute pecan pieces with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon. Always stir continuously to prevent sticking and burning.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy pralines are perfect as a sweet treat on their own or served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Low-Fat Whipped Topping for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, consider packaging them in a decorative box as a homemade gift during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as it can alter their consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewie Pralines contains roughly 2025 calories, with 7g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 826mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecan pieces with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the pralines. Keep in mind that different nuts may slightly alter the flavor profile.
What should I do if my pralines don't set properly?
If your pralines are too soft, it may be due to undercooking the mixture. To fix this, you can reheat the mixture, bringing it back to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, then drop spoonfuls onto the muffin tins again. Allow them to cool properly before checking their firmness.
Can I add chocolate to the pralines?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pralines or mix in chocolate chips during the last step before dropping them onto the muffin tins. This adds a delicious layer of flavor and makes them even more indulgent.
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).