New Orleans-Style Pralines

5 from 3 votes

Rich, creamy, and packed with toasted pecans, these New Orleans-style pralines deliver that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture with deep caramel flavor.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 5

36 pralines, depending on size of scoop

Equipment

Ingredients

1 quart whipping cream
1 tablespoon corn syrup light or dark
1 pound white sugar
zest of 1 orange optional
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
light sprinkling of kosher salt optional

Instructions

In a large stock pot, combine the cream, corn syrup, sugar, and orange zest (if using). Cook over low to medium-low, stirring occasionally. In the early stages, be careful not to let it boil over.
When the mixture starts to thicken, start stirring constantly. The mixture will gradually turn golden brown and become thick and bubbly.
When it reaches 240°, add the pecans and cook, stirring constantly (and into all the nooks and crannies of the pot, but being careful not to splash up the sides too much) until your mixture reaches 248 degrees. Remove from heat.
Using two dessert spoons or a half-tablespoon cookie scoop, spoon the pralines onto the lined baking sheets. If desired, lightly sprinkle with kosher salt.
Allow to stand for at least 30 minutes, but it could take up to a day or two for these to become solid. The consistency should be similar to fudge, maybe slightly drier. It shouldn’t be chewy like caramel, or hard like toffee.
After they set up, they can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe makes 3-4 dozen, depending on how generous you are when spooning the candy mixture. Nutritional information was calculated based on this recipe making 36 pralines, but you can certainly scoop them smaller.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 44mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 389IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Keyword: New Orleans-Style Pralines

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Kate Jones

Cost: $8

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