Mardi Gras Pecan Pralines Cream (Print)
Rich, creamy pralines packed with toasted pecans and buttery sweetness ideal for festive treats.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
→ Sugars
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
→ Nuts
05 - 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
→ Flavorings
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make:
01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for easy scooping later.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until butter melts and mixture reaches a boil.
03 - Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage), approximately 8–10 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat immediately. Stir in vanilla extract and pecan halves until evenly distributed.
05 - Stir vigorously for 2–3 minutes until mixture thickens, becomes creamy, and develops a matte appearance while remaining pourable.
06 - Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to prevent sticking.
07 - Let pralines cool completely at room temperature until firm and set, approximately 20 minutes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These pralines capture that authentic New Orleans candy shop flavor without needing any fancy techniques
- The texture transforms from creamy to slightly grainy in the most delightful way, just like the ones from French Quarter vendors
02 -
- Humidity is your enemy — making pralines on rainy days often leads to disappointing results because moisture prevents proper crystallization
- The stirring phase after removing from heat is where most people fail, so trust the recipe and keep going even when your arm gets tired
03 -
- Have everything measured and ready before you turn on the stove — candy making waits for no one
- A clean spoon dipped in water can help test if the mixture has reached soft-ball stage if your thermometer seems off