Sue Bailey'S Pecan Pralines
Creamy, sweet pecan pralines with a rich caramel flavor, perfect for holiday treats or gifting, appealing to those who love crunchy, buttery confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups sugar and 1 cup milk to a boil, then add the browned sugar, Karo syrup, soda, and salt.
- Boil until it reaches the soft ball stage on a candy thermometer.
- Stir in vanilla and butter or margarine.
- Continue stirring until the mixture is thick.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect praline texture, use a candy thermometer to monitor the boiling process closely. If you don’t have Karo syrup, light corn syrup can be a suitable substitute. For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Ensure your wax paper is smooth to prevent sticking when dropping the spoonfuls.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan pralines make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with Refrigerated Whipped Potatoes for a sweet and savory contrast at dinner parties. For a festive touch, serve them as part of a dessert platter during holidays or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they become too hard, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften slightly before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it can lead to a sticky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue Bailey'S Pecan Pralines contains roughly 622 calories, with 11g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% 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 do if my pralines don't set properly?
If your pralines are too soft and don’t set, they may not have reached the soft ball stage. You can try reheating the mixture gently and boiling it for a few more minutes until it reaches the correct temperature. Always use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just chop them roughly and add them to the mixture before dropping onto wax paper. Each nut will bring its unique taste and texture to the pralines.
How do I know when the pralines are done cooking?
The pralines are done when the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, which is around 234°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer. You can also perform a cold water test by dropping a spoonful of the mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
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).