Creamy Candy Pralines
Delightful crunchy pralines with a silky caramel base, brightened by butter and toasted pecans—perfect as a sweet treat for gatherings or a festive dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and soda in a 3 1/2‑quart saucepan and mix well.
- Stir in cream and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (234°F).
- Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until melted.
- Stir in pecans and beat until the mixture thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of light cream. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. A candy thermometer is helpful for reaching the soft ball stage, but you can also test by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water to check consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these creamy pralines as a delightful dessert or sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of Honey Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat. For a festive occasion, consider serving them alongside Mother Jessie'S Corn Bread for a unique flavor combination. They also make great 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, consider refrigerating them to prevent stickiness. To reheat, place them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes to soften them slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Candy Pralines contains roughly 2151 calories, with 11g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 12g 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped slightly to mix well with the praline mixture.
What should I do if my pralines don't set properly?
If the pralines remain too soft, it may be due to not reaching the correct temperature. You can try reheating the mixture and cooking it a bit longer until it reaches the soft ball stage again.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or chocolate to the pralines?
Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing the mixture from heat for a lovely flavor. For chocolate pralines, consider folding in some melted chocolate along with the nuts.
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).