Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re stepping into the delightful world of sweet confections with an incredibly easy and irresistible recipe: Vanilla Pecan Pralines. This Southern candy combines the lusciousness of vanilla, the creamy texture of white chocolate, and the crunchy goodness of pecans, making it a textural and flavor sensation. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy evening or prepping treats for a festive gathering, these pralines promise to satisfy your sweet cravings effortlessly. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time!
What makes this Vanilla Pecan Pralines recipe truly special is not just its delicious blend of flavors but also its adaptability. Perfect for candy-making novices and seasoned pros alike, this sweet treat is perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat during the week. The combination of rich flavors and simplicity make it a staple in many holiday kitchens. Say goodbye to complicated recipes — this one is straightforward and yields delicious results that will impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and white chocolate offers a delightful sweetness that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple steps, anyone can master this candy-making process!
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe according to your preferences; add more pecans or substitute the white chocolate for dark chocolate.
- Perfect for Gifting: These pralines make an excellent gift for friends and family, presented beautifully in a decorative box.
- Quick Setting: With just a short cooling time, you can enjoy these delicious candies sooner than you think!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delightful candy-making adventure, let’s set the stage for success! First and foremost, ensure your kitchen is clean and organized. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: granulated sugar, evaporated milk, butter, vanilla or white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.
You’ll also need a few essential tools to make the process seamless. A heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial for even heat distribution, ensuring your sugar mixture doesn’t burn. A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring, as it’s sturdy and won’t scratch your cookware. Finally, prepare two long sheets of waxed paper on a countertop or cookie sheets where you will drop and set your praline mixture.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 7 oz evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1 package (11 oz) vanilla or white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended for the best flavor)
- 4 oz marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by laying out two long sheets of waxed paper on your countertop or on cookie sheets. This will be essential for placing your pralines as they cool and set. By preparing this area first, you’ll have a streamlined process that makes dropping the pecan mixture quick and easy.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. This mixture needs to be cooked over medium-low heat, so make sure to stir constantly to prevent burning. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat slightly but maintain a low boil. It’s crucial to let this mixture boil for about 8 minutes while you stir occasionally — this ensures that your pralines will have the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add in the Chocolate and Marshmallow
After boiling for 8 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in your vanilla chips and the marshmallow creme. Continue stirring until the chips are fully melted and the entire mixture is smooth. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll notice how creamy and rich the mixture becomes as everything combines beautifully.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential; you want the mixture to thicken but still remain creamy enough for easy dropping. If it feels too firm, don’t hesitate to add a few teaspoons of evaporated milk and mix it in to adjust the consistency.
Step 5: Drop the Pralines
Using a spoon, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto the prepared waxed paper. Try to keep the portions relatively uniform in size for even setting. After you’ve dropped the mixture, allow the pralines to cool completely and harden; this is where the magic happens as they transition from a sticky mixture to a delightful candy.
Step 6: Storing Your Delicious Pralines
Once your pralines are set, it’s important to store them properly. Transfer them to an airtight container, placing sheets of waxed paper between layers of pralines to prevent sticking. This way, you can enjoy your sweet treats for days on end without worrying about them clumping together!
Variations
- Protein: Try adding in some crisp bacon bits for a sweet and savory twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Vegetables: Consider adding some finely shredded coconut for an added chewy texture and tropical flavor.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by incorporating pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Use a candy thermometer if you want to be precise about achieving the right temperature during the cooking process.
- It’s essential to use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the sugar from scorching.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these pralines as a sweet treat at holiday gatherings for a delightful finishing touch.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious afternoon snack.
Tips
- Make sure to constantly stir the mixture while it’s cooking to achieve the desired texture.
- Experiment with different types of nuts to personalize the recipe.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per piece
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs
How long do these pralines last?
When stored in an airtight container, vanilla pecan pralines can last for about two weeks. Just be sure to layer them with waxed paper.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white chocolate, regular chocolate can work perfectly, lending a different flavor profile to your pralines.
Can I freeze these pralines?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are well-wrapped in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
What if my mixture is too thick?
If your praline mixture has thickened too much, simply stir in a little more evaporated milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vanilla Pecan Pralines are not just a treat; they are a delightful experience packed with flavor, texture, and festive cheer. This recipe is simple and rewarding, making it perfect for sweetening your day or impressing guests at special occasions. Whether served as a dessert, a gift, or an indulgent snack, these pralines capture the essence of Southern candy-making tradition. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Happy candy making!
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Vanilla Pecan Pralines
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: about 24 pieces 1x
Description
A delightful Southern candy combining the lusciousness of vanilla, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 7 oz evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1 package (11 oz) vanilla or white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended for the best flavor)
- 4 oz marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by laying out two long sheets of waxed paper on your countertop or cookie sheets.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter; cook over medium-low heat while stirring constantly for about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla chips and marshmallow creme until smooth.
- Allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then drop tablespoon-sized portions onto the waxed paper.
- Let pralines cool completely before storing in an airtight container with waxed paper layers.
Notes
Vanilla pecan pralines can be stored in an airtight container for about two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 150 per piece
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Protein: 1 g