Never Fail Pralines
Never Fail Pralines are rich, creamy candies with caramelized sugar and crunchy pecans, perfect for sweet lovers and ideal for gift-giving or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and Karo syrup in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water.
- Remove from heat.
- Add oleo, vanilla, and pecans to the mixture.
- Beat until creamy.
- Drop by tablespoons onto wax paper or Tupperware sheets to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pralines turn out perfectly, use a candy thermometer to check for the soft ball stage, which is around 235°F. If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds. For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter in place of oleo. Be sure to work quickly once the mixture is ready, as it will start to set fast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful pralines as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, consider placing them in decorative tins as gifts during the holidays. They also make a great addition to any dessert table, complementing dishes like Blackberry Special Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate them to prevent stickiness. To enjoy them later, simply take them out and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid reheating, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Pralines contains roughly 61 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 praline mixture is ready to drop?
To test if your praline mixture is ready, drop a small spoonful into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball and holds its shape, it's ready to be removed from the heat. If it dissolves or spreads out, it needs more cooking time. This simple test ensures perfect texture every time.
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).