Whether you pronounce it PRAW-leen or PRAY-leen, you will love this traditional Southern candy. In the 1700s, French settlers brought their recipes for caramelized almonds with them to New Orleans. Cooks soon substituted the locally abundant pecans for the almonds.
In earlier times, pralinieres, Creole black women, often dressed in gingham and a white apron were a frequent sight on Canal Street in the French Quarter where they sold these butter, sugar, and pecan confections.
But you don’t have to go to New Orleans to sample this sweet, crunchy treat. You can learn how to make pralines at home with this easy praline recipe.
With only six ingredients, you can cook up a batch in about 15 minutes even if you don’t have a candy thermometer. But you do have to let them cool and set up for 20 minutes before you enjoy them.
Step #1. Prepare Ingredients
In this tutorial, we will teach you how to make pralines out of pecans. Gather the following ingredients and items:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon powder
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. milk
- ½ tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans
- Candy thermometer (optional), make sure to use a thermometer with high accuracy.
- Non-stick tray or mat
- Small saucepan
Step #2. Add Ingredients to Saucepan
Pour the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and milk in a small pot.
Step #3. Add the Maple Syrup
Add the maple syrup to the pot.
Step #4. Heat the Mixture
Bring to a boil, starting with low temperature until it slowly heats. You can use a thermometer for more precision. They should be ready when it heats to 230°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, just wait about 7 minutes or until it has a golden tone.
Step #5. Add Pecans
Turn heat off. Add the pecans to the pot and mix well before it hardens.
Step #6. Let Stand
Place the pecans and praline mixture on a non-stick tray or surface. Let them stand about 20 minutes, until firm.
Step #7. Break Apart & Serve
Break them into pieces and serve.
Could you wait the twenty minutes, or did you give in to temptation? Now that you know how easy it is to make pralines consider getting creative. People have added chocolate, dried fruits, or coconut to their pralines.
A plateful of these melt in your mouth goodies makes a delightful hostess gift. Or fill a pretty jar with crushed or chopped pralines for a delicious ice cream topping. And if you ever get to New Orleans, they say PRAH-leen, and they’re made with peek-ons.
We’d love to hear about your experience with this Southern treat. Will these pralines become one of your go-to candies?
How to Make Praline Pecans
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon powder
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. milk
- ½ tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans
Instructions
- Pour the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and milk in a small pot.
- Add the maple syrup.
- Bring to a boil, starting with low temperature until it slowly heats. You can use a thermometer for more precision. They should be ready when it heats to 230°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just wait about 7 minutes or until it has a golden tone.
- Turn heat off. Add the pecans to the pot and mix well before it hardens.
- Place the pecans and praline mixture on a non-stick tray or surface. Let them stand about 20 minutes, until firm.
- Break them into pieces and serve.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Looking to further enhance your cooking skills? Check out…How to Make a Charcuterie Board