Candied pecans met classic Southern praline flavor, and this perfect little Praline Pecan recipe was born. It's the best of both worlds. These candied nuts are buttery and rich flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and purely addictive nature.
Any pecan lover will swoon for candied praline pecans, especially on a Thanksgiving snack board or dessert charcuterie board. This simple stovetop recipe for candied praline pecans makes the most wonderful homemade Christmas gifts, and would be so perfect alonside our festive, colorful reindeer chow!
If you're looking for more holiday candies to make this year, you'll also love our easy marshmallow fudge recipe.
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What are Southern Praline Pecans?
While both Southern praline pecans and candied pecans star the same nut and are sugary-sweet, they are not precisely the same.
Candied pecans are coated in egg whites, tossed with sugar and spices, and typically baked in the oven. They are crisp, crunchy, and make for an amazing snack and an even better salad topper! We love them on fall-themed salads like our apple bacon salad with a honey Dijon vinaigrette, and they are equally amazing on a pear salad with goat cheese.
On the other hand, praline pecans are basically individualized Southern praline candies, a traditional Southern candy. This candy is almost cookie-like in appearance and features a mound of toasty pecans held together by a soft, caramel-like coating.
Why This Recipe Works
In honor of our Southern roots and that beloved Southern candy, these praline pecans are "candy-like" with a melt-in-your mouth brown sugar coating and a toasty, crunchy pecan interior.
We know how intimidating candy making can be, so that's why we made sure to include everything you need to know in an easy-to-read, step-by-step photo process below.
Just like their cousins, candied pecans and praline candies, praline pecans are excellent for snacking. They are also superstars for taking desserts to the next level of decadence; perfect for topping off desserts like brown butter blondies and pumpkin mousse.
This praline pecan recipe yields the perfect texture and phenomenal flavor--think butter, brown sugar, and the perfect level of salt. It can be made in advance or can be frozen, and you will still be left with amazing flavors of brown sugar and butter.
This recipe has been approved by praline connoisseurs and will forever be your go-to recipe.
Ingredients for Candied Praline Pecans
Pecans | You can't have candied praline pecans without the pecans, of course. This recipe uses pecan halves. You could use walnuts instead, if desired.
Sugar | A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar works for this recipe. Pralines are typically made with brown sugar, but we found that a mix of the two gives these pecans the perfect flavor profile and texture.
Evaporated Milk | It has richer flavor and less water content, making it ideal for candy making.
Butter | The essential ingredient in forming the caramel-type base that coats the pecans. Be sure to use unsalted butter for full sodium and flavor control.
Salt | Where there's sugar, there should be salt. It brings out all the yummy flavor of the pecans and enhances the molasses notes in the brown sugar. We recommend fine sea salt for candy making.
How to Make Praline Pecans (Step-by-Step)
Ready Your Pan + Ingredients | This recipe moves quickly once you get going, so have both a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and your ingredients ready to go.
Combine Ingredients | Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring often. Be careful! This mixture is VERY hot.
Simmer | As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium/medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the sugar reaches a temperature of 230-235°F. Do not let your mixture exceed this temperature range or it will harden too quickly. Stir often, taking care to scrape down the sides and bottom of the pan.
- Note: To gauge the temperature of the sugar, use a candy thermometer.
Add Pecans | Reduce the heat to low, add the pecans, and gently stir for 2 minutes.
Transfer to Baking Sheet | After the 2 minutes is up, immediately transfer the pecans to the prepared baking sheet and use two forks to separate and spread them out.
Cool | Allow to cool and set up for 1 hour.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Make Ahead | Praline pecans should keep for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator, making it perfect for Thanksgiving Day prep. The pecans will not go bad after 3 weeks, but they may lose some of their delicious qualities as the sugar begins to re-crystalize and they become harder to chew.
Freeze | You can also freeze praline pecans for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When preparing the candies for freezing, be sure they are not touching each other, and line the sides and bottom of the container with wax paper to ensure easy removal.
It is also important to make sure your container seals completely to avoid frost building up inside. If you're stacking multiple layers of praline pecans in a container, separate each layer with a sheet of wax paper.
5 More Pecan Desserts to Try
Praline Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 5 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Have ready a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring often. Be careful -- this mixture is VERY hot.
- As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium/medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer. Stir often, taking care to scrape down the sides and bottom of the pan.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the sugar reaches a temperature of 230-235°F. Do not let your mixture exceed this temperature range or it will harden too quickly.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the pecans, and gently stir for 2 minutes.
- After the 2 minutes is up, immediately transfer the pecans to the prepared baking sheet and use two forks to separate and spread them out. Allow to cool and set up for 1 hour.
Nutrition
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