Praline Pecans

Praline Pecans are a Southern delight blending velvety caramel and crisp pecans. Born from sugar, butter, and cream alchemy, they offer a harmonious contrast of textures.

Rooted in tradition, these treats encapsulate the essence of the South’s flavors, perfect alone or enhancing desserts with their irresistible charm.

Praline Pecans

Pecan pralines (also known simply as pralines) are a type of sweet candied nut made primarily from sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. Pralines have a distinct creamy texture and a rich, caramelized flavor.

To make them, butter and sugar are cooked until a sauce begins to form. The pecans are then stirred in to coat them well. Then the pecans are transferred to parchment and separated to cool.

Overhead shot of praline pecans, served in a white bowl with a checkered blue and white towel

What are Praline Pecans?

The resulting pecans are softer with a slightly grainy finish due to the crystallization of the sugar. They’re usually round or irregularly shaped and can vary in size.

Pecan pralines are enjoyed as a standalone candy or used to add a sweet and nutty element to various desserts, like ice creams, cakes, and pies.

Overhead shot of butter and sugar in a stainless steel skillet

Pralines are often found in gift shops, specialty stores, and markets in the Southern United States, and they’re a cherished part of Southern culinary traditions and culture.

When my friend Joan visited from Georgia she brought me a big bag of Georgia pecans, along with the suggestion I bake something delicious with them. The pecan-inspired recipes on her website are nearly endless.

Overhead shot of cream and caramelized praline mixture in a stainless steel skillet

How to Make Praline Pecans

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

light brown sugar
white sugar
butter
heavy cream
pecan halves

Overhead shot of bubbling mixture in a stainless steel skillet

Praline Pecans Recipe

Start by placing a large piece of parchment next to the stove, along with a couple of forks.

Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and then stir while the sugars melt and come to a boil.

Overhead shot of pecans and caramelized praline mixture in a stainless steel skillet

Add the cream while whisking constantly. When the mixture is smooth again, Add the pecans and stir to coat.

Carefully pour the coated pecans onto the waiting parchment.

Overhead shot of praline pecans in a stainless steel skillet; they are being stirred with a thin red rubber spatula

Working quickly, use the forks to separate the pecans and allow them to cool without clumping together.

Store the completely cooled pralines in an airtight container.

Overhead shot of praline pecans with silver forks

Pralines

Crunchy, chewy, sweet pecans are sprinkled throughout these rich and buttery Pecan Praline Blondies. From the chewy blondie base to the crisp topping, this is a dessert that I simply couldn’t resist.

Fall flavors of pumpkin and pecans are combined in this Praline Cheesecake. It makes a showstopping holiday dessert.

All the rich flavors of classic bread pudding meet French toast in this easy Pecan Praline French Toast Bake. Fully loaded with pralines and spices, there is enough sugar to make it a treat, without sending my whole family into a sugar crash mid-morning.

Praline Pecans

Born from sugar, butter, and cream, Praline Pecans are a Southern delight blending velvety caramel and crisp pecans.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 8

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 197kcal

Ingredients

1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup butter
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

Start by placing a large piece of parchment next to the stove, along with a couple of forks. Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and then stir while the sugars melt and come to a boil.
Add the cream while whisking constantly. When the mixture is smooth again, Add the pecans and stir to coat.
Carefully pour the coated pecans onto the waiting parchment. Working quickly, use the forks to separate the pecans and allow them to cool without clumping together.
Store the completely cooled pralines in an airtight container.