Name: New Orleans Pecan Pralines
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485919H59M14S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans; Pinch of salt (optional)

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New Orleans pecan pralines are a rich, creamy Southern candy that melt in my mouth with every bite. Loaded with buttery pecans and a brown sugar base, these classic confections have the perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and melt-away texture. Whether I’m making them for holidays, gifts, or just to satisfy a sugar craving, they always remind me of the warm charm of New Orleans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, nostalgic, and full of that deep caramel flavor that only comes from slow-cooked sugar and butter. The pecans toast beautifully in the candy, and the texture is soft, almost fudge-like, but with a satisfying bite from the nuts. These pralines come together with just a few pantry staples and a little bit of attention. They also make amazing edible gifts—I’ve never handed out a batch without someone asking for the recipe.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granulated sugar
Brown sugar (light or dark)
Heavy cream or evaporated milk
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Pecan halves or chopped pecans
Salt (just a pinch, optional, to balance the sweetness)

directions

I combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cream, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
I stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and continue stirring until it reaches the soft ball stage—about 235–240°F on a candy thermometer.
I remove it from the heat, add vanilla and salt, then stir in the pecans.
I continue stirring the mixture off the heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and turns creamy.
Using a spoon, I drop small mounds of the mixture onto parchment paper or a greased baking sheet.
I let the pralines cool completely until they set, which usually takes about 30 minutes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–24 pralines, depending on the size. It takes me around 10 minutes to prep, 15–20 minutes to cook, and about 30 minutes to cool and set—so I have sweet Southern treats ready in about an hour.

Variations

I’ve added a touch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for a twist on the traditional flavor. If I want a slightly firmer texture, I use evaporated milk instead of cream. I’ve also tried using maple syrup in place of some of the sugar for a deeper flavor. Toasting the pecans before stirring them in gives the candy a richer nutty taste.

storage/reheating

I store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If I’m keeping them longer, I refrigerate them and let them come to room temperature before serving. They don’t need reheating, but if one gets too firm, I warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to soften it slightly.

FAQs

Why did my pralines come out grainy?

Graininess can happen if the sugar crystals didn’t dissolve completely or if I stirred the mixture too little or too much while cooling. I always make sure the sugar is fully melted before boiling and stir just enough after removing from heat.

Can I make these without a candy thermometer?

Yes, I use the soft ball method: drop a bit of the hot mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready.

Are pralines supposed to be chewy or crumbly?

Traditional New Orleans pralines are creamy and slightly crumbly—not chewy like caramel. If they’re chewy, the sugar likely wasn’t cooked to the correct temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but I work quickly when spooning them out, since the mixture sets fast. I also use a larger pot to keep the heat even.

Can I use other nuts?

Pecans are classic, but I’ve used walnuts or almonds in a pinch. The texture and flavor change slightly, but it still works well.

Conclusion

New Orleans pecan pralines are the perfect combination of rich, sweet, and nutty. They’re simple to make, packed with Southern flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once I’ve tried them, they become one of those timeless treats I make again and again—especially when I want to share a little homemade sweetness.