Introduction

Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a delightful Southern treat combining creamy vanilla, rich pecans, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These pralines offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making them an irresistible candy for any occasion.

The image shows several small round caramel-colored desserts with a smooth, shiny surface. Each dessert has a thick caramel layer on top with whole pecans neatly placed in the center. The bottom layer is lighter brown and looks firm but soft. The treats are arranged tightly together on a white plate with gold patterns. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil.
Step 2: Continue boiling for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Remove the pan from heat. Immediately add the vanilla chocolate chips, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and marshmallow creme. Stir vigorously until smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the pralines to cool and harden at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the mixture.
Substitute vanilla chocolate chips with white or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different twist.
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and deepen the flavors.

Storage

Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent melting. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows six small round caramel-colored candies with a smooth, shiny surface and slightly scalloped edges, each topped with a few pieces of pecans scattered on top. The candies sit closely together on an ornate white plate with delicate gold patterns around the edge. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the setup. The candies have a rich, glossy texture and the pecans add a rough, crunchy detail on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk helps create the creamy consistency needed for pralines. Using regular milk may result in a runnier texture and longer cooking time, so it is best to use evaporated milk.

What is the purpose of marshmallow creme in this recipe?

Marshmallow creme adds smoothness and helps the pralines set with a soft, chewy texture instead of being too hard or grainy.

Creamy Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

This Vanilla Pecan Pralines recipe offers a rich and creamy Southern classic candy made with granulated sugar, evaporated milk, butter, vanilla chocolate chips, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and marshmallow creme. The pralines are creamy, sweet, and crunchy with a delicious vanilla and pecan flavor — perfect for gifting or enjoying as a homemade treat.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes plus 2 hours cooling
Yield: Approximately 24 pralines 1x
Category: Dessert Candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

Pralines Ingredients

2.5 cups granulated sugar
7 oz evaporated milk
0.25 cup butter, cubed
11 oz vanilla chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
4 oz marshmallow creme

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients ensuring pecans are chopped and butter is cubed for melting.
Combine Sugar and Milk: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and evaporated milk. Stir constantly to dissolve sugar completely.
Add Butter and Heat Mixture: Add cubed butter to the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Continue boiling steadily for about 8-10 minutes or until the candy thermometer reads approximately 235°F (soft-ball stage), stirring regularly.
Remove from Heat and Add Chocolate Chips: Remove saucepan from heat. Immediately add vanilla chocolate chips and marshmallow creme to the hot mixture; stir until melted and smooth.
Stir in Vanilla Extract and Pecans: Add vanilla extract and chopped pecans, mixing thoroughly but quickly so the mixture starts to thicken.
Drop Pralines on Wax Paper: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto a wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool and set at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.
Store or Serve: Once set, pralines can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for accuracy when cooking sugar mixture.
Stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar.
Drop pralines onto wax paper quickly, as mixture thickens fast.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and flavor.
You can substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or milk chocolate for variation.

Keywords: vanilla pecan pralines, southern candy, homemade pralines, pecan candy, vanilla chocolate pralines