In the Kitch is reader-supported. External links may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

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.

Pralines in a decorative container.

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

Praline ingredients on a board.

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

Adding syrup to pot with sugar in it.

Pour the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and milk in a small pot.

Step #3. Add the Maple Syrup

Adding syrup to pot with sugar in it.

Add the maple syrup to the pot.

Step #4. Heat the Mixture

Heating sugar mix in pot and using a candy thermometer.

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

Mixing pralines into pot with sugar mixture.

Turn heat off. Add the pecans to the pot and mix well before it hardens.

Step #6. Let Stand

Drying pralines on a silicone mat.

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

Pralines in a decorative container.

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?

Pralines in a decorative container.

How to Make Praline Pecans

Joss Dyckson
You can learn how to make pralines at home with this easy praline recipe.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 208 kcal

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.
    Sugar butter and cream in a pot.
  • Add the maple syrup.
    Adding syrup to pot with sugar in it.
  • 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.
    Heating sugar mix in pot and using a candy thermometer.
  • Turn heat off. Add the pecans to the pot and mix well before it hardens.
    Mixing pralines into pot with sugar mixture.
  • Place the pecans and praline mixture on a non-stick tray or surface. Let them stand about 20 minutes, until firm.
    Drying pralines on a silicone mat.
  • Break them into pieces and serve.
    Pralines in a decorative container.

Equipment

Candy Thermometer
Non-stick tray or mat
Small saucepan

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 0.6mg

Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

Looking to further enhance your cooking skills? Check out…How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Recipe Rating




{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}