Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe
Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines. These delightful candies combine creamy vanilla chocolate, toasted pecans, and a touch of marshmallow creme for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for gifting or as a decadent treat any time of year.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 pralines 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Praline Base
- 2.5 cups granulated sugar
- 7 oz evaporated milk
- 0.25 cup butter, cubed
Flavor & Texture Additions
- 11 oz vanilla chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 4 oz marshmallow creme
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. Stir constantly over medium heat to begin dissolving the sugar evenly.
- Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Allow the mixture to come to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 245°F (118°C), the soft ball stage, which ensures the proper texture for your pralines.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla chocolate chips until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Marshmallow and Vanilla: Mix in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract thoroughly to add smoothness and enhance the flavor complexity of the pralines.
- Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans evenly into the candy mixture to distribute the nutty crunch in every bite.
- Form Pralines: Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool completely and harden at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Do not stir the mixture during boiling to avoid crystallization; only stir before boiling and when adding ingredients after heat.
- The candy thermometer is essential to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- For best results, let the pralines cool for at least 1 hour to set completely.
- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Keywords: vanilla pralines, pecan pralines, homemade candy, southern candy recipe, vanilla chocolate pralines, pecan candy