Pecan Pralines(May Also Use For A Frosting.)
Sweet, nutty pecan pralines with a creamy texture and caramelized flavor, perfect as a treat or frosting for those who enjoy rich, buttery confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, soda, buttermilk, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook over high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Add butter and pecans to the mixture.
- Continue cooking until the candy reaches the soft-ball stage (less time if using as frosting).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Beat until thick and creamy.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, which is 234°F to 240°F. If you want a more intense flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the mixture. You can also substitute half of the pecans with walnuts for a different texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a delightful treat on their own or can be used as a decadent topping for desserts like ice cream or the Frosty Peanut Butter Pie. Serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon snack, or package them as gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they become too hard, you can place them in the refrigerator for a short time to soften slightly before serving. Avoid humidity, as it can affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Pralines(May Also Use For A Frosting.) contains roughly 154 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1905mg per serving (83% 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 make these pralines without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, then let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
What if my pralines don't set properly?
If your pralines don’t set, it might be due to not cooking the mixture long enough. You can reheat the pralines gently and cook them a bit longer to reach the soft-ball stage, then beat until thick before dropping them again.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pralines?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind this may affect the texture. Alternatively, you can pair these pralines with a less sweet dessert, such as a tart or a less sweet cake, to balance the flavors.
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).