Desserts
Buttermilk Pecan Pralines
Rich, sugary pralines cooked to a soft-set with buttermilk and toasted pecans, then dropped in creamy pools to cool.
Pralines are a bit of a kitchen test of patience, and buttermilk gives ours a slight tang that cuts the sweetness just enough. Watching the sugar turn from bubbling syrup to creamy, grainy candy right on the spoon never gets old.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1
Combine sugars and buttermilkIn a heavy saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up as the baking soda reacts, so use a pot larger than you think you need.
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2
Cook to soft-ball stageBring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 235°F, about 15 to 18 minutes.
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3
Add butter and pecansRemove from the heat and stir in the butter, pecans, vanilla, and salt until the butter melts completely.
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4
Beat until creamyStir the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes, until it thickens slightly and turns matte instead of glossy.
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5
Drop and coolWorking quickly, drop spoonfuls onto parchment or waxed paper and let the pralines cool completely and set, about 20 minutes, before serving.
Okra & Oak Tip
Stop stirring the moment the mixture starts to lose its shine and thicken, since overworking it makes the pralines grainy and crumbly instead of creamy.
Storage
Store cooled pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks; layer with waxed paper to keep them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions
The syrup likely did not reach a true 235°F; a reliable candy thermometer makes all the difference for consistent set.
Yes, though the pralines will lose their slight tang and taste a bit sweeter and more traditional.
Nutrition
Per serving. Values are estimates.
195
Calories
2g
Protein
26g
Carbs
10g
Fat
