Sweet Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Sweet Vanilla Pecan Pralines bring melt-in-your-mouth comfort to any holiday table or dessert tray. Their creamy texture is balanced by buttery toasted pecans and a dreamy vanilla aroma. These southern-inspired treats have made an appearance at every one of my family gatherings for as long as I can remember. The first time I made a batch on my own, I realized just how easy they are despite their old-fashioned charm.

I still remember the look on my grandmother’s face when I surprised her with a tin of these pralines. Now I keep them in my holiday rotation because everyone goes back for more.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: It brings the classic sweetness and ensures the pralines set up properly. Choose fine white sugar for best results
• Evaporated milk: Provides richness and a creamy texture. Check for an even color and avoid any metallic-tasting brands
• Butter: Adds body and a melt-in-the-mouth quality. Use real unsalted butter for best flavor
• Vanilla chocolate chips: They add a layer of delicate vanilla flavor and help the pralines set while still staying soft. Look for high-quality chips free from artificial aftertaste
• Vanilla extract: Deepens aroma and brings out the nutty notes. Pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference
• Chopped pecans: The star of the show Their natural buttery crunch is essential. Fresh pecans from the bulk bin or a trusted brand will give the best texture
• Marshmallow creme: Creates the signature creamy consistency and easy set. Spoon it straight from the jar and make sure it is fresh

Instructions

Sauté the Pecans:

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for five to seven minutes or in a moderate oven until fragrant and golden. Spread them out to cool before using. This step boosts their flavor and crunch

Melt Sugar and Butter:

Place sugar evaporated milk and cubed butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and stir for five to seven minutes. You are building the creamy candy base

Stir in Chips and Marshmallow:

Remove from heat. Immediately add vanilla chocolate chips and marshmallow creme. Stir until everything is melted and completely smooth. Add vanilla extract and toasted pecans stirring until all ingredients are combined. Work quickly at this stage for perfect texture

Shape the Pralines:

Use a large spoon to scoop the warm mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form rounds about two to three inches wide and let them sit undisturbed as they cool. This part is fast paced so have everything ready

Cool and Store:

Allow the pralines to cool down at room temperature for at least thirty minutes until firm. Once set peel them off the parchment and store in an airtight container. Use parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking

The best part of this treat is watching the pralines set up on the kitchen counter filling the house with a nutty caramel aroma. My favorite ingredient is definitely the toasted pecans because every bite is rich and satisfying.

Storage Tips

Store the pralines in an airtight tin layered with parchment paper for best texture. They will keep well at room temperature for about one to two weeks. Avoid putting them in the fridge or they may get sticky and lose their creamy quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in white chocolate chips for a richer flavor or experiment with walnuts for a twist. If you want to use regular milk in place of evaporated milk the pralines may not be as creamy but will still work for a quick fix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pralines piled high on a dessert platter for parties. For an ice cream sundae add chopped pralines as a crunchy topping. They also shine when bundled into gift bags tied with ribbon for a festive homemade present.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pralines started as a French delicacy evolving over the generations into an iconic Southern sweet. New Orleans is famous for its creamy version packed with pecans and vanilla just like this recipe. Making pralines is a treasured kitchen tradition in many families including mine.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use cinnamon chips instead of vanilla chips for a cozy fall treat. Try pecan pralines with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top for a holiday twist. Add toasted coconut flakes for extra flair in springtime. You can truly feel how time and tradition are baked into this simple candy. It is a recipe that asks for attention and patience then rewards you with a sweet bite that everyone will remember.

Success Stories

These pralines have made it into neighborhood cookie swaps and teacher thank you baskets. Several friends now ask to borrow my recipe each December. I always love seeing jaws drop when people realize you made these from scratch in about half an hour.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Although fresh pralines are best you can freeze them in a single layer then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature until they soften back to their silky texture. Great for making ahead of parties.

Enjoy sharing these creamy pralines with loved ones, and let their aroma become part of your own holiday tradition. Making them is even sweeter when you know how easy it can be.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get smooth, glossy pralines?

Stir the mixture constantly while on the heat to dissolve all sugar and avoid graininess. Quickly combine chocolate and marshmallow once off the heat for a shiny finish.

→ Can I toast the pecans beforehand?

Toasting pecans before adding them deepens their flavor and adds crunch. Let them cool before mixing into the pralines.

→ What should I use to portion the pralines?

A large spoon or small ladle works best for dropping portions onto parchment, creating evenly sized candies.

→ How do I store these treats?

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking and avoid refrigeration.

→ How long will they stay fresh?

Enjoy within 1-2 weeks for best freshness and texture. The pralines will keep their flavor and delicate texture if stored properly.