Indulge in the rich, Southern charm of Paula Deen’s Pralines, a timeless confection brimming with buttery sweetness and nutty perfection. This classic recipe combines granulated and light brown sugars with velvety heavy cream and a touch of pure vanilla for depth of flavor. The highlight? Generous amounts of tender pecans, coated and cooked to soft-ball stage for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a few pantry staples and a handy candy thermometer, you can master this crowd-pleasing treat in under an hour. Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these pralines offer a taste of Southern hospitality in every bite.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the pralines from sticking.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly to ensure the sugars dissolve and the mixture combines evenly.
Bring the mixture to a boil and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage).
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and pecans.
Using a wooden or silicone spoon, stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and loses its glossy appearance.
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Be careful, as the mixture will still be very hot.
Allow the pralines to cool and set completely at room temperature, about 20-30 minutes.
Once cooled, store the pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Serving size | (1156.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5294.0 |
Total Fat 316.1g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 111.4g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 46.0g | |
Cholesterol 503.2mg | 0% |
Sodium 741.5mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 628.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 19.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 609.1g | |
Protein 19.3g | 0% |
Vitamin D 17.9IU | 0% |
Calcium 351.6mg | 0% |
Iron 5.9mg | 0% |
Potassium 1229.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories