Mardi Gras Pecan Pralines Cream (Printable View)
Creamy pecan confections with a rich, buttery texture ideal for festive Southern celebrations.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Sugars
01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
→ Dairy
03 - ¾ cup heavy cream
04 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Nuts
05 - 2 cups pecan halves
→ Flavorings
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir to blend.
03 - Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
04 - Add the butter and stir until melted.
05 - Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage), about 10-15 minutes.
06 - Remove from the heat. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and pecan halves. Stir vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy but is still pourable.
07 - Quickly drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
08 - Let the pralines cool completely at room temperature until set, about 20-30 minutes.
09 - Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture is somewhere between fudge and buttercream, that perfect creamy territory that makes people pause after their first bite
- Theyre surprisingly forgiving despite what candy making reputation suggests, and the house smells incredible for hours
02 -
- The mixture will thicken dramatically after removing from heat, so stirring vigorously and quickly is non-negotiable
- Humidity affects candy making more than you would expect, rainy days might require slightly longer cooking time
03 -
- Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding them adds incredible depth
- If the mixture becomes too stiff to scoop, add just a drop of cream and stir gently to loosen