No Fail Buttermilk Pralines
Creamy, nutty pralines with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for sweet tooths and holiday treats, offering a rich, buttery flavor and crunchy pecan texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine buttermilk, sugar, soda, and cinnamon in a large heavy saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cook until the mixture reaches a soft ball stage.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in chopped pecans, vanilla, butter flavoring, and margarine.
- Beat until the candy loses its gloss.
- Scrape the candy to one end of the pan.
- When it begins to thicken and gets a creamy appearance, drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper.
- Remove the pralines from wax paper as soon as they congeal.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best results, use fresh buttermilk and ensure your saucepan is heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Stir frequently as the mixture cooks to help it reach the soft ball stage without burning. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add a bit more vanilla or butter flavoring.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful dessert on their own or can be paired with coffee for a sweet afternoon treat. They also complement a variety of southern dishes, such as Mirliton Pie or Old Timey Egg Custard. Consider serving them at parties or as gifts during the holidays for a special touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause them to become sticky. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fail Buttermilk Pralines contains roughly 559 calories, with 12g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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 other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but the overall texture and sweetness of the pralines will remain delicious.
What is the soft ball stage?
The soft ball stage is when the candy mixture reaches a temperature of about 234°F to 240°F (112°C to 115°C). To test, drop a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed. Using a candy thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
How can I fix grainy pralines?
If your pralines turn out grainy, it's likely due to sugar crystallization. You can try reheating the mixture gently while stirring until it becomes smooth. Adding a bit of water or fresh buttermilk can also help dissolve the sugar and restore a creamy consistency.
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).