Peanut Butter Pralines
Creamy, crunchy peanut butter pralines with roasted peanuts and a rich caramel flavor, perfect for those who love sweet, nutty treats with a crispy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine buttermilk, butter, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (240°F) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and add baking soda, vanilla extract, and peanut butter.
- Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and thick.
- Stir in roasted peanuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased paper and let cool until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, beat the mixture longer after adding the peanut butter. If you want a nut-free version, substitute chopped sunflower seeds for the peanuts. Make sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage. If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter pralines are perfect as a sweet treat on their own or served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful addition to dessert platters, especially alongside Great Grandma's Soft Ginger Cake or Homemade Coconut Cream Pie. For a fun twist, try drizzling them with chocolate for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight to prevent melting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Pralines contains roughly 1184 calories, with 28g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1623mg per serving (71% 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
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will provide the necessary acidity for the recipe.
How can I tell when the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage?
To check if the mixture has reached the soft-ball stage (240°F), you can drop a small spoonful into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that holds its shape but flattens when removed, it's ready. Using a candy thermometer ensures accuracy.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While roasted peanuts are traditional, feel free to substitute with other nuts like chopped pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they are roasted for the best taste, and adjust the quantity to your preference.
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).