Mardi Gras Pecan Pralines (Printable)

Creamy, nut-loaded confections with roasted pecans and buttery sweetness from New Orleans traditions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sugars

01 - 1½ cups granulated sugar
02 - 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
03 - ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
04 - ½ cup heavy cream
05 - ¼ cup whole milk

→ Flavorings & Nuts

06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, milk, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve completely.
03 - Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 236°F (soft ball stage), about 8–10 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat immediately. Add vanilla extract and pecans. Stir briskly with a wooden spoon for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy but remains pourable.
05 - Working quickly, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
06 - Let pralines cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, until completely set and firm to the touch.
07 - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These pralines strike that perfect balance between creamy and crystalline texture that makes them impossible to stop eating
  • The recipe comes together in under thirty minutes but tastes like you spent hours crafting something special
  • They make the most impressive homemade gift, wrapped in little parchment bundles and tied with twine
02 -
  • Humidity is your enemy with pralines, so choose a dry day for best results
  • If you wait too long to scoop, the mixture will harden in the pan
  • Stirring too little after adding pecans results in flat, spread out candies
03 -
  • Toast your pecans in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes before adding them to the candy mixture
  • If your mixture hardens before you finish scooping, add 1 tablespoon of warm milk and stir gently to loosen it

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