Tabitha'S Favorite Pecan Pralines
Sweet, crunchy pecan pralines with a creamy interior, featuring caramelized sugar and toasted pecans, perfect for sharing or gifting to those who love rich, nutty confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, soda, buttermilk, and salt.
- Cook over high heat for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Add butter and pecans, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the mixture reaches soft-ball stage.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vanilla extract and stir well.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Beat until creamy.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure you beat the mixture until creamy before it fully cools. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for added flavor. These pralines pair well with recipes like Pecan Corn Muffins for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
These pralines make a sweet addition to any dessert platter and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. They can also be served alongside desserts like Virginia Apple Nut Pie(Cake) for a delightful contrast in flavors. Consider drizzling them with chocolate or serving them with whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid environment, refrigeration may be necessary to prevent them from becoming sticky. To enjoy them later, simply let them come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tabitha'S Favorite Pecan Pralines contains roughly 1651 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 159g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% 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 is the soft-ball stage when making pralines?
The soft-ball stage is reached when the mixture reaches 234-240°F (112-115°C) on a candy thermometer. To test without a thermometer, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed, it's ready to proceed.
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile. If using larger nuts, chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they incorporate well into the mixture.
Why did my pralines not set properly?
If your pralines didn’t set, it may be due to not reaching the proper temperature during cooking. Ensure you cook the mixture to the soft-ball stage and beat it until creamy. Humidity can also affect the setting; consider adjusting your cooking time if you live in a humid area.
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).