New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet—New Orleans Pecan Pralines are the Southern candy that always steals the show. With deep roots in Creole cuisine, this old-fashioned treat combines caramelized sugar, creamy evaporated milk, vanilla, and toasted pecans into heavenly bites of bliss.
Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or a little indulgent snacking, these pralines are easier to make than you might think. No candy thermometer? No problem—we’ll walk you through exactly how to know when your pralines are ready to drop!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of sugar and pecans bubbling away in a heavy pot. This recipe brings all the warm nostalgia of a Southern kitchen with minimal fuss. It’s a true family-favorite sweet treat—simple ingredients, no baking, and ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Plus, the texture is everything: soft, fudgy, and just the right amount of chewy with a satisfying crunch from the pecans.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Prep the Pans
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, wax paper, or foil. This is where you’ll drop the pralines once they’re ready.
2. Start the Sugar Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and evaporated milk. Stir occasionally as it comes to a boil.
3. Watch the Temperature
Continue boiling until the mixture reaches 230°F, which should take around 8 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening slightly.
4. Add Flavor and Nuts
Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 240°F, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes.
5. Drop the Pralines
Once the mixture thickens and you can see the bottom of the pot as you stir, quickly drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Work fast—this mixture sets quickly!
6. Let Them Cool
Allow the pralines to cool and firm up for 5–10 minutes before digging in.
Tips for Perfect Pralines
- Use a candy thermometer for best accuracy, but you can also look for visual cues like bubbling patterns and mixture thickness.
- Toast your pecans in a dry skillet or oven for extra depth of flavor.
- Work quickly when dropping the pralines—they harden fast once off the heat.
- Humidity matters: If your pralines aren’t setting, try making them on a drier day or chill them briefly in the fridge.
How to Serve & Store
These pralines are great as:
- A sweet ending to a Southern meal
- Wrapped treats for holidays or party favors
- Paired with coffee or This Big Family Banana Pudding for a full-on nostalgic dessert experience
Storage
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Fridge: Helps them stay firm in warm climates.
- Freezer: Not recommended—can affect texture.
More Sweet Southern Treats You’ll Love
If you love these pralines, don’t miss:
- These Easy Coconut Macaroons – chewy, simple, and addictive
- These Pecan Pie Bars – pecan pie flavor, bar-style convenience
- Old School No-Bake Cookies – nostalgic, fudgy goodness
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – fall flavors in a fun cookie form
Final Thoughts
Making New Orleans Pecan Pralines at home brings a little Southern magic into your kitchen. Rich, creamy, and full of nutty crunch, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking one at a time until they disappear.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your praline success story, or let me know what nostalgic treat you want to see next. Follow along at ChefManiac.com for more timeless favorites and sweet inspiration.
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