Southern Pralines
Southern Pralines are sweet, buttery confections topped with pecans, offering a rich combination of caramelized sugar and crunchy nuts, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the graham crackers into single cookies.
- Place the graham crackers side by side on a cookie sheet.
- Put a pecan half on top of each cracker.
- Boil the butter and sugar for 2 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture over the grahams with pecans.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from oven and take off the sheet immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a chewier texture, let the pralines cool slightly before cutting them into squares. You can also experiment with nut varieties; walnuts or almonds can be tasty alternatives to pecans. Ensure you watch the butter and sugar mixture closely while boiling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern Pralines are perfect for serving at gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Tropical Carrot Cake or alongside Cream Cheese Pom Poms (A Holiday Cookie Tray Favorite!) during holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend freshness for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 250°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Pralines contains roughly 549 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% 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 margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, using real butter will provide a richer flavor and better texture. Margarine may alter the consistency slightly, which can affect the final product. For best results, stick to real butter as called for in the recipe.
What can I do if my pralines are too hard?
If your pralines turn out too hard, it might be due to overcooking the sugar mixture. To soften them, try placing them in a covered container with a slice of bread for a few hours; the moisture will help soften the pralines.
Can I make these pralines ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these pralines a few days ahead of time. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They make a great treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or as a sweet gift!
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).