Introduction
If there’s one candy that feels like a warm hug from the South, it’s Pecan Praline Candy. I still remember the first time I made a batch with my Aunt Clara in her tiny Georgia kitchen. The air smelled of butter and brown sugar, and the counter was covered with glossy pecans waiting for their caramel coating. It was pure magic.
This melt-in-your-mouth candy is buttery, sweet, and just the right amount of nutty. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, gifting it in cute mason jars, or sneaking a piece with your morning coffee (guilty!), it’s an old-fashioned recipe that never goes out of style.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes — no fancy candy-making skills required.
- Viral Flavor: Buttery caramel meets toasted pecans — the ultimate Southern duo.
- Perfectly Giftable: Wrap these up for friends, and they’ll think you’re a kitchen pro.
- Classic & Trendy: A nostalgic favorite that’s blowing up on TikTok dessert boards.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Candy Base:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups pecan halves
- Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Heavy saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
How to Make Pecan Praline Candy
- Prep the Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll thank yourself later when cleanup takes five seconds.
- Combine Sugars & Cream: In a heavy saucepan, stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cream over medium heat. Keep stirring until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Add Butter: Drop in the butter and keep stirring until the mixture hits the soft-ball stage (about 235°F or 113°C).
- Flavor Boost: Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the pecans and stir until the candy thickens slightly and loses its gloss.
- Drop & Set: Using a spoon, drop dollops of the praline mixture onto your parchment-lined sheet.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the candies cool completely until firm. Resist the urge to sneak one too soon — they’re worth the wait!
Quick Swap Table
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-half | Slightly softer texture |
| Pecans | Walnuts | Adds a stronger, earthy flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | Maple extract | For a deeper, autumn twist |
What to Serve With It
- Hot Coffee or Espresso: The candy’s sweetness pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Crumble a praline or two on top — dessert heaven!
- Southern Sweet Tea: If you know, you know.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Fresh Pecans: Stale nuts can ruin the texture — buy them fresh or toast lightly first.
- Timing is Everything: Stir just until the gloss fades — that’s your perfect set point.
- Humidity Warning: Skip rainy days. Moisture makes pralines sticky instead of crisp.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate up to two weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment between each candy. Thaw before serving.
FAQs
1. What’s the secret to creamy Pecan Praline Candy?
Use heavy cream and don’t overcook. Once it reaches the soft-ball stage, remove it right away.
2. Why are my pralines grainy?
That usually means the sugar crystallized. Constant stirring and controlled heat prevent that.
3. Can I make Pecan Praline Candy without a thermometer?
Yes! Drop a bit of the mixture into cold water — if it forms a soft ball, you’re good.
4. How long do pralines take to set?
Around 30 minutes at room temperature, depending on humidity.
5. Can I use salted butter?
Absolutely. Just skip the extra pinch of salt in the recipe.
6. How do I gift them beautifully?
Stack them in cellophane bags or mason jars with a twine bow — simple and charming.
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about Pecan Praline Candy. It’s one of those recipes that ties generations together — from your grandma’s handwritten card to your modern candy thermometer. Next time you crave something sweet, buttery, and nostalgic, make a batch, share it on TikTok, and tag #EasyMealsToPrep.
If you love this, you might also enjoy our Butter Pecan Ice Cream Sandwiches, No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge, Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark, and Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie.
Pecan Praline Candy – The Sweet Southern Treat Everyone’s Talking About!
Equipment
- Heavy saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- candy thermometer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups pecan halves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a heavy saucepan, stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cream over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Add butter and continue stirring until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Fold in the pecans and stir until mixture thickens slightly and loses its gloss.
- Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto prepared sheet. Let cool completely.
