Katie'S Pecan Pralines
Katie's Pecan Pralines are rich, creamy candies with toasted pecans and vanilla, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and making delightful gift treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sugar, buttermilk, soda, and salt at high temperature for 5 minutes.
- Use a very large pot, as the mixture will boil high due to the soda.
- Add the pecan pieces and butter. Continue cooking and lower the heat to medium-high, stirring often.
- Scrape the bottom of the pot frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage.
- Drop some of the mixture into cold water and test with your finger to see if it has hardened.
- When it hardens, remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
- Stir until the mixture is ready to drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.
- Check the sides of the pot to see if the mixture has semi-hardened and thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pralines turn out perfectly, use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Stirring frequently is crucial to avoid sticking, and make sure to test for the soft ball stage accurately for the best texture. These pralines are a great sweet treat alongside American recipes like Cool Party Mix.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan pralines make delightful gifts or party favors. Consider serving them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with desserts like Holiday Banana Pudding for an indulgent dessert spread. Enjoy them as a snack or a topping over ice cream for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, it's best to refrigerate them to maintain their texture. When ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Katie'S Pecan Pralines contains roughly 638 calories, with 15g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1455mg per serving (63% 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
How do I know when the mixture is at the soft ball stage?
To test for the soft ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that holds its shape when removed, it's ready. This stage is key for achieving the right consistency in your 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).