Indulge in the buttery sweetness of homemade Walnut Pralines, a classic Southern-inspired treat with a satisfyingly nutty twist. This irresistible confection combines toasted walnuts, rich brown sugar, and creamy butter, all cooked to perfection to create a candy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mastering the "soft-ball stage" technique ensures each praline has just the right balance of chewiness and crunch. Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or a midday sweet craving, these pralines offer a delightful burst of flavor from a touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe lets you recreate the charm of a traditional candy shop right in your kitchen!
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar has dissolved completely.
Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 235°F (112°C) — the 'soft-ball stage.'
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and toasted walnuts. Mix well to coat the walnuts evenly.
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming individual pralines. Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
Allow the pralines to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Once fully set, transfer the pralines to an airtight container for storage. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Serving size | (624.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2899.2 |
Total Fat 180.7g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 58.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 70.8g | |
Cholesterol 230.7mg | 0% |
Sodium 217.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 319.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 10.1g | 0% |
Total Sugars 301.4g | |
Protein 23.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 241.3mg | 0% |
Iron 5.1mg | 0% |
Potassium 814.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories