Southern Delight Pecan Pralines
Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor of these Southern Delight Pecan Pralines, a true indulgence that hails from the heart of New Orleans. This cherished recipe is perfect for sharing at gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. Each bite reveals the perfectly balanced sweetness of caramelized brown sugar and the crunch of freshly toasted pecans, making it hard to resist. Whether you're a native southerner or just someone who enjoys a taste of the South, these pralines will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and warmth. This recipe is not just an average treat; it's a delicious homage to the flavorful traditions of the South, guaranteed to impress your family and friends!
24
Servings
88
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecans
1 cup (Toasted)
Heavy cream
1/4 cup (None)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup (None)
Light brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Light brown sugar
2 tablespoons (Packed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Spread the pecans evenly on a cookie sheet and toast them in the oven for 3 minutes.
3
Remove the pecans from the oven, stir them, and return them to bake for an additional 3 minutes, watching closely to ensure they don’t over-toast.
4
While the pecans are toasting, line another cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
5
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, attach a candy thermometer and combine the heavy cream, unsalted butter, and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar.
6
Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft ball stage). If needed, stir gently to help dissolve the sugar.
7
Once reached, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit undisturbed for about 15 seconds.
8
Carefully incorporate the vanilla extract, optional bourbon, and the toasted pecans into the mixture; it may splatter.
9
Stir the mixture until it becomes creamy and starts to thicken slightly.
10
Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheet.
11
Allow the pralines to cool and set for about 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.6g
Fat
10.8g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Delight Pecan Pralines?
They are a rich, buttery Southern treat originating from New Orleans, featuring caramelized brown sugar and toasted pecans.
How many servings does this pecan praline recipe make?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains 88 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in Southern Delight Pecan Pralines?
The main ingredients include pecans, heavy cream, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and optional bourbon.
How long should I toast the pecans?
Pecans should be toasted for 3 minutes, stirred, and then toasted for another 3 minutes at 325°F.
What oven temperature is used for toasting the pecans?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
What temperature must the sugar mixture reach?
The mixture should reach 240°F, which is known as the soft ball stage.
What type of saucepan is recommended for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for cooking the mixture.
How much light brown sugar is required in total?
The recipe requires 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar.
Is the bourbon mandatory for this recipe?
No, the 1 teaspoon of bourbon is optional.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.6 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in each praline?
Each serving contains 10.8 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 1 gram of protein.
What should I use to line the cookie sheet?
You should line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
How long should the saucepan sit undisturbed after reaching the soft ball stage?
It should sit undisturbed for about 15 seconds after being removed from the heat.
When should I add the vanilla and pecans?
Add the vanilla extract, optional bourbon, and toasted pecans after the mixture has sat for 15 seconds off the heat.
What is the indication that the mixture is ready to be dropped onto the cookie sheet?
The mixture is ready once it has been stirred until it becomes creamy and starts to thicken slightly.
How much mixture should I drop for each praline?
Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment paper.
How long do the pralines need to cool before serving?
The pralines need to cool and set for about 20 minutes.
What stage of candy making is 240°F?
240°F is the soft ball stage.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How many pecans are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of toasted pecans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed in total.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data indicates that the fiber content is null.
What should I do if the sugar doesn't dissolve easily?
You can stir gently while cooking over high heat to help dissolve the sugar.
What is the amount of vanilla extract used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What precautions should be taken when adding vanilla to the hot mixture?
You should be careful as the mixture may splatter when adding the vanilla, bourbon, and pecans.
What occasions are these pralines best for?
They are perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a sweet treat to satisfy cravings.