Praline Candy
Rich, crunchy praline candies with toasted pecans and caramelized sugar, perfect for sweet cravings or gifting, appealing to lovers of nutty, buttery confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook all ingredients except pecans on medium heat, stirring frequently.
- When the mixture reaches softball stage, remove from heat.
- Whip the mixture with a spoon for 1 minute.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a buttered tray to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your mixture reaches the softball stage, which is around 240°F (115°C). If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Stirring the mixture for a full minute helps achieve a creamy texture. Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines are perfect for gift-giving or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. They pair wonderfully with desserts like Lill'S Gingersnaps or can be served as a delightful topping on ice cream. For an indulgent dessert platter, combine them with other sweets like Miniature Nut Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store the praline candy in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture. If you live in a humid environment, refrigeration may be necessary to prevent stickiness. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds, but be cautious not to melt the candy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Praline Candy contains roughly 507 calories, with 10g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2213mg per serving (96% 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 if my praline mixture doesn't reach the softball stage?
If your mixture doesn't reach the softball stage, it won't set properly. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy. If it’s not at the right temperature, return it to heat and continue cooking while stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
Can I use different nuts in this praline recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop them evenly to ensure they incorporate well into the mixture.
How long does it take for the pralines to cool and set?
Typically, the pralines will take about 30 minutes to cool and set completely on the buttered tray. However, this can vary based on room temperature and humidity, so check them for firmness before serving.
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).