Emily'S Pralines

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 18 Cuisine: American

Creamy, crunchy pralines with rich caramel flavors and nutty pecans, perfect for sweet gift-giving or indulgent treats for anyone with a sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 pound butter
  • 2 cups pecans, broken
  • 4 tablespoons white corn syrup
  • 2/3 cup water
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a heavy saucepan. Cook until syrup spins a thread or reaches the soft ball stage. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  2. Add vanilla and beat until mixture begins to thicken.
  3. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, around 235°F (113°C). If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. Be careful when beating the mixture; overbeating can lead to a grainy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These pralines make a delightful treat on their own but also pair beautifully with Amaretto Creme On Fresh Fruit for a rich dessert experience. Serve alongside coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack. You can also use them as a topping for ice cream or as a sweet addition to a cheese platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To prevent them from sticking together, layer parchment paper between each praline. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Emily'S Pralines contains roughly 126 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.

126 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 4.8g 6% DV
Carbs 18g 7% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 17.2g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 112.5mg 5% DV
Potassium 51.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 18.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 light corn syrup instead of white corn syrup?

Yes, light corn syrup can be used as a substitute for white corn syrup in this recipe. It will slightly alter the flavor and color but should not significantly affect the texture or final outcome of the pralines.

What should I do if my pralines are too soft?

If your pralines are too soft, it may be due to not cooking the syrup long enough. You can try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as this can lead to hard pralines.

How can I make these pralines dairy-free?

To make these pralines dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as sugars and syrups, are also dairy-free. This will allow you to enjoy delicious pralines without dairy.

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).

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