Homade Southern Pecan Pralines

If you’re looking for a sweet and nutty treat that captures the essence of Southern charm, look no further than these homemade Southern Pecan Pralines. This old-fashioned recipe combines rich, creamy ingredients with the crunch of pecans to create a candy that’s both indulgent and irresistible. Originating in New Orleans, these pralines have become a beloved staple throughout the South, often associated with holidays and special occasions.

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Why this recipe works

• The combination of evaporated milk, butter, and sugar creates a rich, creamy base for the pralines
• Using pecan pieces ensures that each bite is packed with nutty flavor and texture
• Boiling the mixture for 20 minutes allows the sugar to caramelize and reach the perfect consistency
• Dropping the mixture onto a lined baking sheet creates individual candies that are easy to share and store

Ingredients You Will Need

You can easily make this scrumptious Southern pecan praline recipe on the stovetop with just these five ingredients:

• Pecan pieces – Provide the signature nutty flavor and crunchy texture of the pralines
• Evaporated milk – Adds creaminess and richness to the candy base
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes to the smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor
• Sugar – Caramelizes during cooking to create a sweet, glossy coating for the pecans
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the pralines with a subtle, warm note

How to make pecan pralines

This is an easy pecan praline candy recipe. Here’s what you do:

1. Combine the butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.

2. Boil the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring constantly with a silicone or wooden spoon.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, add 8 cups pecan halves or pieces, and stir until the mixture thickens.

4. Drop onto a greased foil-lined baking sheet and let cool.

3 tips for making this recipe for pecan pralines

1. Protect your arms from stray candy bubble burns by wearing long sleeves. If a hot drop does land on exposed skin, rinse it off immediately and rub the spot with an ice cube.
2. If the praline mixture starts to harden before you’ve finished scooping, add one teaspoon of hot water or milk at a time until you can scoop again.
3. If your pralines refuse to set up properly, or they end up crumbly and dry, don’t toss them out! They will still taste delicious. Eat them with a spoon, ball them up and dip them in chocolate, or chop them up and use them as a topping on cakes, brownies, or ice cream.

Bonus Tip: High humidity can affect how well pralines set up, so Southern tradition says to avoid making them when it’s raining.

How to serve homemade pecan pralines

Old-fashioned pecan pralines look great on a holiday cookie tray. You can also include them in your gift cookie tins.

Chopped pralines are great on ice cream. Or use them as a topping on cakes or brownies.

How to store pecan pralines

Storage: When the pralines are completely cool, store them between layers of waxed paper or parchment paper in an airtight container. 

Freezing: To freeze pralines, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Pralines are still somewhat delicate when frozen, so make sure they don’t get smashed.

Thawing: Remove the pralines from the freezer and allow them to thaw on the counter for several hours before unwrapping.

Favorite candy recipes

• Almond Brittle
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• Lindt Chocolate Truffles
• Pecan Brittle
• Peppermint Bark
• Rocky Road Candy
• York Peppermint Patties

Popular recipes with pecans

• Karo Syrup Pecan Pie
• Pecan Delight Pie
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Pecan Sandies
• Spiced Pecans

Check out more of my easy candy recipes and the best Christmas recipes on CopyKat!