Description
Maple Pecan Pralines are a sweet Southern-inspired treat that perfectly balances rich nuttiness with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. Crispy on the edges and creamy in the center, these pralines melt in your mouth, combining toasted pecans with caramelized maple syrup for a delightful snack or gift-worthy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Maple Syrup Mixture
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pecans
- 1 1/2 cups salted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure pralines do not stick and to make cleanup easier.
- Toast the Pecans: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance their natural flavor and crunch.
- Combine Sugars and Liquids: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine maple syrup, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and cook until it reaches 238°F (soft ball stage).
- Add Pecans and Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Shape the Pralines: Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in evenly spaced dollops. Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until firm.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to get the perfect texture.
- Remove mixture from heat as soon as it hits the soft ball stage to avoid hard or grainy pralines.
- Spoon the mixture quickly onto the baking sheet as it thickens fast.
- Choose fresh pecans for optimal flavor and crunch.
- Let pralines cool undisturbed at room temperature to set properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop Cooking and Setting
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline (approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: maple pecan pralines, pralines recipe, Southern dessert, maple syrup candy, nutty treats, gluten-free sweets
