Whether you pronounce it PRAW-leen or PRAY-leen, you will love this traditional Southern candy. You don't have to go to New Orleans to sample this sweet, crunchy treat. You can learn how to make them at home with this easy praline recipe. They can be eaten as a snack, used as a topping or given as a gift.
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What are Pralines?
Pralines are a confection consisting of candy coated, roasted nuts--typically almonds, pecans or hazelnuts.
Brief History
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.
Ingredients & Tools
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 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans
- Candy thermometer (optional), make sure to use a thermometer with high accuracy.
- Non-stick tray or mat
- Small saucepan
Optional: You can add chocolate, dried fruits, or coconut to the pralines when you add the pecans to the mixture (step 3).
How to Make Pralines
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. Add Ingredients to Saucepan
Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, milk and maple syrup to a saucepan.
Step #2. Heat the Mixture
Bring to a boil, starting with low temperature until it slowly heats. You can use a thermometer for more precision. It should be ready when it heats to 235°F.
Tip: If you don't have a thermometer, just wait about 7 minutes or until it has a golden tone.
Step #3. Add Pecans
Turn the heat off. Add the pecans to the pot and mix well before it hardens.
Step #4. Let Stand
Transfer the pecans and praline mixture to a non-stick tray or surface. Let them stand about 20 minutes, until firm.
Step #5. Break Apart & Serve
Break them into pieces and serve.
Storage
- Store the pralines in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry.
- For best results, consume them within 3 weeks.
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to line the container with wax paper to avoid sticking. You can also separate layers of pralines in the container with wax paper.
Serving Suggestions
- Eat them as a sweet snack.
- A plateful of these melt in your mouth goodies makes a delightful hostess gift. You can fill a pretty jar with them and add a fancy ribbon.
- Use crushed or chopped pralines for a delicious ice cream topping or cookie/cake addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Pecans are a nut that are used as an ingredient in pralines. Pralines are a candy with nuts.
A praline isn't one type of nut. It can be a pecan, almond or hazelnut.
This can range, depending on the recipe, but it usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
It's possible that the candy mixture didn't reach a high enough temperature. If you are having troubles with hardening, use a candy thermometer and make sure it reaches 235°F (soft ball stage).
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.
I'd love to hear about your experience with this Southern treat. And if you ever get to New Orleans, they say PRAH-leen, and they're made with peek-ons. Will these pralines become one of your go-to candies? Let me know what you thought in the comments!
Looking to further enhance your cooking skills? Check out...How to Make a Charcuterie Board
📋Recipe
Pecan Pralines
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans
Instructions
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, milk and maple syrup to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, starting with low temperature until it slowly heats. You can use a thermometer for more precision. It should be ready when it heats to 235°F. If you don't have a thermometer, just wait about 7 minutes or until it has a golden tone.
- Turn the heat off. Add the pecans to the pot and mix well before it hardens.
- Transfer the pecans and praline mixture to a non-stick tray or surface. Let them stand about 20 minutes, until firm.
- Break them into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Store the pralines in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry.
- For best results, consume them within 3 weeks.
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to line the container with wax paper to avoid sticking. You can also separate layers of pralines in the container with wax paper.
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.
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