If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a sweet treat with that perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, and nutty, you’re going to love this Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into luscious, melt-in-your-mouth candies that everyone raves about. When I first tried making pecan pralines at home, I was surprised how easy it was to get them perfectly textured — and now, I make them whenever I want a little Southern-inspired indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only a few ingredients: You won’t need any fancy supplies, just pantry staples and pecans.
Perfect texture every time: The candy thermometer helps you nail that creamy, soft yet firm praline consistency.
Great for gifting: These pralines keep nicely, so they’re wonderful to wrap up and share with friends and family.
Timeless southern treat: It’s an authentic recipe that I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to impress.

The image shows several small clusters of caramel-colored candy mixed with whole and broken pecans, scattered loosely on a white marbled textured surface covered with crinkled white parchment paper. Each candy piece has a shiny, smooth texture with a thick layer of caramel coating covering the nuts, and the clusters are unevenly shaped with some pecans clearly visible on top. Around the clusters, whole pecans and small nut pieces are spread randomly, adding a rustic look to the scene. The focus is on the front candy cluster, with a soft blur effect on the others in the background, giving a sense of depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Pecan Pralines, pecan pralines ingredients, homemade pecan candies, Southern pralines, how to make pralines

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building that rich, caramel-like coating and perfectly crunchy nut center. I recommend grabbing good-quality pecans and the right kind of evaporated milk to get that classic praline flavor.

Flat lay of granulated sugar in a small white bowl, dark brown sugar in a small white bowl, evaporated milk in a small white bowl, a quarter cup of unsalted butter block, pecan halves scattered naturally, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of salt, and a tiny heap of baking soda powder placed together with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Pecan Pralines, pecan pralines ingredients, homemade pecan candies, Southern pralines, how to make pralines

Granulated sugar: The base sweetener to create that golden caramel foundation.
Dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and richness for complexity.
Evaporated milk: The key to a creamy, fudgy praline texture.
Unsalted butter: Use room temperature to melt evenly for smoothness.
Baking soda: Helps the praline mixture aerate for a lighter bite.
Pecan halves: Fresh or lightly toasted pecans make a big difference in flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, inviting aroma we all love in pralines.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty undertones.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to change things up depending on the season or my mood. The great thing about this Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe is that it’s adaptable—you can tweak the nuts or flavorings while still keeping that classic praline charm.

Swap the nuts: I’ve tried walnuts or almonds when pecans are out of season, and it still tastes amazing.
Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy twist, especially around the holidays.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a non-dairy evaporated milk substitute for allergen-friendly pralines.
Chocolate drizzle: Sometimes I drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for an extra fancy touch that my family adores.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

First things first, line a half sheet baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside. You’ll want this ready because pralines need to cool quickly once they’re scooped. Having everything prepped saves you from scrambling when it’s time to drop your candy mixture on the pan.

Step 2: Combine and Heat Your Ingredients

In a large pot fitted with a candy thermometer, add granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and baking soda. I discovered this trick when I started stirring regularly over medium heat—it helps everything melt evenly and prevents the sugar from burning. You want to watch for the mixture to come up to a gentle bubble, and then keep stirring constantly as it thickens.

Step 3: Watch Your Temperature Like a Hawk

This is the make-or-break moment for your pralines. Stir that sugary syrup consistently until it reaches 236°F on your candy thermometer — the “soft ball” stage. I can’t stress enough how checking the temperature helped me go from sticky messes to perfect pralines every time. Remove the pot from heat immediately once it hits this mark.

Step 4: Stir in Pecans, Vanilla, and Salt

As soon as you take the mixture off the heat, stir in your pecans, vanilla, and salt right away. You’ll want to stir vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens just enough to be workable but not dry. Your praline mix should be soft, creamy, and ready to scoop.

Step 5: Spoon and Cool

This is where I use two spoons lightly sprayed with cooking spray to scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. I learned that prepping the spoons this way keeps the sticky candy from clinging and makes shaping the pralines much easier. Let them cool at room temperature — no rush! They’ll firm up as they sit.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe

Use a reliable candy thermometer: I once guessed the temperature and ended up with brittle candy instead of soft pralines—trust me, precision matters.
Don’t rush cooling: Let the pralines cool fully at room temperature for clean, perfect shapes without sticky edges.
Spray your spoons: This keeps your scoops neat and your hands less sticky—such a simple trick that makes all the difference.
Stir vigorously right off the heat: This kickstarts the thickening process and ensures your pralines get that creamy, fudge-like texture.

How to Serve Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe

The image shows several small clusters of pecans coated in a shiny, light brown caramel layer. Each cluster has multiple pecan halves, some deeper brown and wrinkled, held together by the glossy caramel that gives a smooth texture over the nuts. Scattered whole pecans with a rich, reddish-brown color are placed around the clusters on a white marbled textured surface, creating a natural, rustic feel. The clusters and pecans are spread unevenly and close to each other with small caramel crumbs visible near them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Pecan Pralines, pecan pralines ingredients, homemade pecan candies, Southern pralines, how to make pralines

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the pralines shine on their own, but sometimes a light dusting of sea salt flakes on top just before spooning adds a wonderful contrast that my family goes crazy for. If you want a bit of extra flair, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans can elevate the look and flavor.

Side Dishes

These pralines are fantastic on their own, but I think they pair beautifully as a sweet finish alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even with a hot cup of coffee or tea. I often bring them out at brunch with fresh fruit and yogurt for a touch of indulgence that everyone appreciates.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday shows or special gifts, I like to wrap pralines individually in colorful wax paper or clear cello bags tied with ribbon. Sometimes, I arrange them neatly on a decorative platter with edible flowers or pecan halves around the edges for that extra wow factor when guests arrive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your pecan pralines are completely cool, I wrap each one individually in plastic cling wrap, which helps keep them from sticking together. I store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they typically last fresh for 3 to 4 weeks. This way, I can enjoy a sweet nibble anytime without any hassle.

Freezing

If I have extra pralines or want to make a batch ahead of time, freezing works great. I wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, place them all in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to munch, I just pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw—easy and just as delicious as fresh.

Reheating

Pralines don’t really need reheating, but if they become too firm in the fridge, I bring them to room temperature before eating. If you want them softer, you can briefly warm them over low heat (like in a warm oven or microwave in short bursts) but be careful not to melt them completely.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut for pecan pralines?

Absolutely! While traditional pralines use pecans, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Keep in mind that each nut has a slightly different flavor and texture, but the praline base will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to avoid grainy pralines?

To keep pralines smooth and creamy, make sure to stir constantly once the mixture starts boiling and remove it from heat promptly at the right temperature (236°F). Using a candy thermometer is the best way to ensure this.
How long do pralines last if stored properly?

When wrapped individually and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, pralines stay fresh for 3 to 4 weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Can I make pecan pralines without a candy thermometer?

While it’s possible to make pralines without one, it’s much trickier to get the right consistency. The thermometer ensures you hit the “soft ball” stage precisely, which helps prevent hard or runny candies. If you don’t have one, using the cold water test can help, but it requires experience.

Final Thoughts

Making these Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe is one of those rewarding kitchen adventures that feels like sharing a sweet Southern secret with friends. I love pulling out this recipe whenever I want to impress without a fuss. The combination of buttery caramel, crunchy pecans, and just the right hint of vanilla makes every bite a little celebration. So, grab your candy thermometer and pecans, and get ready to make some magic—you’re going to enjoy every sticky, sweet moment of this treat!

Easy Pecan Pralines Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 71 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Pecan Pralines recipe yields creamy, caramel-like candies with rich pecan flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, evaporated milk, and pecans, these Southern treats are perfect for sharing and gifting. The recipe guides you through cooking the sugar mixture to the perfect soft-ball stage, ensuring perfectly textured pralines every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (220 grams) dark brown sugar
¾ cup (175 grams) evaporated milk
¼ cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
2 ⅓ cups (220 grams) pecan halves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare baking pan: Line a half sheet baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside. This will be used to place the spooned pralines for cooling and setting.
Combine ingredients and heat: In a large pot fitted with a candy thermometer, add granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and baking soda. Heat over medium heat, stirring regularly until the mixture melts completely and starts to bubble.
Cook to soft-ball stage: Once the mixture starts bubbling, stir constantly to prevent burning and monitor the temperature until it reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage) on the candy thermometer. This temperature is critical for the perfect praline texture.
Add flavorings and pecans: Remove the pot from heat immediately. Add the pecan halves, vanilla extract, and salt to the hot mixture, then stir vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens but remains workable and creamy.
Form pralines: Spray two spoons with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using these spoons, scoop heaping tablespoons of the praline mixture and drop them onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape quickly before the mixture hardens.
Cool and set: Allow the pralines to cool at room temperature until fully hardened. Once set, they are ready to enjoy or store properly.

Notes

Storage: Wrap each praline individually in plastic cling wrap and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 weeks.
Freezing: After cooling, wrap each praline individually in cling wrap, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Use fresh pecan halves for best flavor and texture.
Watch the candy thermometer carefully to avoid overcooking or undercooking the sugar mixture.
Spoons sprayed with cooking spray prevent the sticky praline mixture from clinging.