Easy Pecan Pralines

By: Maria
Posted: 04/26/2025

Easy Pecan Pralines are a classic Southern treat made with buttery caramelized sugar, crunchy pecans, and a rich, smooth texture that melts in your mouth. This simple recipe is perfect for making at home in just a few steps. Whether you’re looking for a homemade gift or a sweet indulgence for yourself, these Easy Pecan Pralines are sure to satisfy your cravings.

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Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Substitutions

Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a slightly lighter version.
Vanilla extract: You can also use maple syrup or almond extract to change up the flavor profile of the pralines.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pralines

Prepare the pecans: Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until fragrant. This step adds extra flavor to the pralines, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Cook the caramel mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Simmer: Once the mixture comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, continuing to stir, until the caramel thickens slightly.
Add the pecans and vanilla: Stir in the toasted pecans and vanilla extract, mixing until the pecans are well-coated with the caramel.
Spoon the pralines onto wax paper: Drop spoonfuls of the pecan mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Use a spoon or Ice Cream scoop to form small, round pralines. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set.
Serve: Once cooled, enjoy your homemade Easy Pecan Pralines! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Mix-ins

Chocolate: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pralines or mix chocolate chips into the caramel before setting.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.
Toffee: Stir in bits of crushed toffee candy for added crunch and sweetness.

Recipe Tips

Watch the caramel closely: It’s important to keep a close eye on the caramel as it simmers to avoid burning. Stir constantly while the sugar dissolves and caramelizes.
Test the consistency: To check if the caramel is ready, drop a small spoonful into a glass of cold water. If it hardens quickly and forms a soft ball, it’s ready for the pecans.
Cooling time: Be patient while the pralines cool on the wax paper. If they don’t set right away, let them cool for a bit longer to ensure they firm up.

Storage

Store Easy Pecan Pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, but make sure they come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

Caramel Pecan Pralines: Skip the heavy cream and use sweetened condensed milk instead for a richer, creamier texture.
Peanut Pralines: Substitute pecans with roasted peanuts for a salty-sweet twist.
Maple Pecan Pralines: Use maple syrup in place of vanilla extract to add a warm, maple flavor to the pralines.

FAQs

Can I make these pralines ahead of time?
Yes, Easy Pecan Pralines can be made up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze pecan pralines?
Yes, you can freeze pecan pralines for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Why didn’t my pralines harden?
If your pralines didn’t harden, the caramel mixture may not have reached the correct temperature or wasn’t simmered long enough. Try again and make sure the caramel thickens before adding the pecans.

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer a less salty flavor. Just make sure to add a pinch of salt to the caramel mixture to balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pralines ahead of time and how should I store them?

Yes, you can make Easy Pecan Pralines up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

What are some ingredient substitutions I can use for the pecans, heavy cream, and vanilla extract?

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds in equal measure for a different nut flavor. For the heavy cream, use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the texture might be slightly lighter. Instead of vanilla extract, try maple syrup or almond extract, adjusting the amount to taste.

How do I know when the caramel mixture is ready and the pralines are perfectly cooked?

The caramel is ready when it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. You can also test it by dropping a small spoonful into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready. The pralines are perfectly cooked when they set up and firm at room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes.

Can I double or scale up this recipe to make a larger batch of pralines?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. Ensure you use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume and stir constantly to prevent burning. You might need to adjust the cooling time slightly, depending on the quantity you make.

Are there any nutritional highlights or health benefits to these Easy Pecan Pralines?

Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. The brown sugar provides some energy, and the butter contributes to the overall richness. While this is a treat, the pecans do offer some beneficial nutrients.