Vanilla Pecan Pralines

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings people together, you’ve come to the right place! These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are truly special. They blend rich, creamy flavors with the delightful crunch of pecans, making them a hit at any gathering, from cozy family nights to festive celebrations. The best part? They’re simple to whip up, so you can indulge your sweet tooth without spending all day in the kitchen!

I love making these pralines for friends and family because they always bring smiles. Plus, they make great gifts wrapped in pretty packaging or simply enjoyed fresh off the baking sheet. Trust me—once you try these Vanilla Pecan Pralines, you’ll want to share them every chance you get.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: With just a few steps, you can create these delicious treats in under an hour.
  • Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet vanilla flavor combined with crunchy pecans.
  • Make-ahead convenience: These pralines store well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for gatherings.
  • Versatile treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack—there’s no wrong way to savor these delights!
  • Gifts from the heart: Pack them up as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and loved ones.
Vanilla

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Grab your measuring cups and let’s get started on your Vanilla Pecan Pralines that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

For the Pralines

  • 2.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 7 oz evaporated milk
  • 0.25 cup butter (cubed)
  • 11 oz vanilla chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
  • 4 oz vegan marshmallows creme
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

One of the things I adore about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

  • Add some spice: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
  • Nut mix-up: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer another nutty flavor.
  • Chocolate lovers delight: Mix in some dark chocolate chips along with the vanilla chocolate for an extra chocolatey experience.
  • Coconut flair: Add some shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.

How to Make Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by combining sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. This mixture forms the base of your pralines and needs to be cooked gently to ensure everything dissolves smoothly.

Step 2: Cook Until Boiling

Set your heat to medium and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil. This step is crucial because it helps achieve that perfect creamy texture we all love!

Step 3: Reach the Perfect Temperature

Once boiling, let it bubble away without stirring until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This firm-ball stage is essential; it ensures your pralines set up beautifully without being too chewy or too hard.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla chocolate chips until they melt into a smooth mixture. This step brings that rich creaminess that makes your pralines irresistible!

Step 5: Mix in Marshmallow Creme

Next, stir in the vegan marshmallows creme and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The marshmallow adds an extra layer of fluffiness that balances perfectly with the crunch of the pecans.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently add your chopped pecans into the mixture, stirring until they are evenly coated. This is where you’ll see those lovely pieces of nutty goodness begin to shine through!

Step 7: Shape Your Pralines

Using rounded tablespoons, drop dollops of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure there’s enough space between each one—they’ll spread slightly as they cool.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow your pralines to cool completely before serving. They will firm up beautifully as they set, ready to be enjoyed by everyone!

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful treats! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines can be a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time!

  • Use a candy thermometer: This tool is essential for achieving the right consistency. Cooking to the firm-ball stage (245°F or 118°C) will give your pralines that perfect chewy texture.

  • Stir constantly: While the mixture is heating up, constant stirring helps prevent the sugar from burning. This ensures you get a rich flavor without any bitter notes.

  • Cool on parchment paper: Dropping the pralines onto parchment-lined sheets not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents sticking, allowing for beautifully shaped candies.

  • Experiment with mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to customize your pralines! Adding ingredients like coconut flakes or chocolate chunks can create an exciting twist on the classic flavor profile.

  • Store properly: To maintain freshness, store cooled pralines in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to two weeks!

How to Serve Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Presenting your Vanilla Pecan Pralines in an appealing way can make them even more enjoyable! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

  • Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top of each praline before they cool. It adds a nice crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.

  • Drizzle of melted chocolate: A light drizzle of melted vanilla chocolate over the pralines provides a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

  • Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the pralines, making for a comforting dessert combination.

  • Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and citrus provides brightness and balances the richness of the pralines, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.

  • Coffee or herbal tea: Serving these pralines alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and makes for a cozy treat any time of day.

  • Cheese platter: Consider pairing these sweet treats with a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses. The savory flavors will complement the sweetness of your pralines beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Vanilla Pecan Pralines will not only taste amazing but look fabulous too! Enjoy crafting this delightful treat!

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Make Ahead and Storage

These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their delightful flavor for days.

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the pralines to cool completely before storing.
  • Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Store at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezing

  • For longer storage, you can freeze these pralines.
  • Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
  • Once frozen, transfer the pralines into a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

  • If you prefer your pralines slightly warm, place them in the microwave.
  • Heat for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through; avoid overheating to prevent melting.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious treats, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding Vanilla Pecan Pralines.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

To ensure the right texture, cook the mixture until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This is crucial for achieving that ideal firm-ball stage, which gives your pralines their delightful chewiness.

Can I customize my Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit. The base recipe is versatile enough to adapt according to your taste preferences.

What makes Vanilla Pecan Pralines different from traditional ones?

This version uses vegan marshmallow creme instead of animal-derived gelatin and avoids any alcohol ingredients. This makes it suitable for various dietary preferences while still delivering that rich, creamy taste you love.

How long do Vanilla Pecan Pralines last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to a week. If refrigerated, they can stay fresh for two weeks!

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Certainly! While pecans give a unique flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if desired. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of your pralines.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Vanilla Pecan Pralines as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also fun to prepare. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet bite!

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Vanilla Pecan Pralines

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Indulge in the delightful world of Vanilla Pecan Pralines, a sweet treat that effortlessly combines creamy vanilla flavors with the satisfying crunch of pecans. Perfect for any gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these pralines are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With their rich taste and inviting aroma, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh off the baking sheet or beautifully packaged and shared, these pralines will surely bring smiles all around. Try them today and experience the joy of making this classic confection!

  • Author: Abigail
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 7 oz evaporated milk
  • 0.25 cup butter (cubed)
  • 11 oz vanilla chocolate chips
  • 4 oz vegan marshmallow crème
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
  2. Bring to a boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla chocolate chips until melted.
  4. Mix in vegan marshmallow crème and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly coated.
  6. Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
  7. Allow pralines to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (20g)
  • Calories: 97
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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