Vanilla Pecan Pralines

If you’re looking for a treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a family favorite in my home. They’re rich, creamy, and packed with the delightful flavors of vanilla and pecans. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or as a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these pralines are sure to impress!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. Even on busy weeknights or when you’re preparing for a special occasion, this treat can easily fit into your schedule. Trust me, once you take a bite of these melt-in-your-mouth goodies, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in our hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious pralines ready to enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these sweet treats! They make the perfect dessert for any family gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these pralines in advance and store them for later—ideal for busy days.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of vanilla and pecans creates a delightful taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look:

For the Pralines

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of your pralines for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Incorporate Other Nuts: Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note that complements the vanilla beautifully.
• Make it Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts if you’re catering to nut allergies.

How to Make Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by combining the sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. This mixture forms the base of your pralines. Cooking over medium heat helps dissolve the sugar evenly while preventing scorching.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Stir constantly until everything is well mixed and comes to a gentle boil. This step is crucial because it ensures that all the sugar dissolves completely before moving on.

Step 3: Cook to Firm-Ball Stage

Continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This firm-ball stage is essential; it gives your pralines their chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Once you’ve reached the right temperature, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla chocolate chips. This makes your praline mixture smooth and rich!

Step 5: Mix in Marshmallow Creme and Vanilla Extract

Next, stir in the vegan marshmallows creme and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds creaminess and enhances that lovely vanilla flavor we adore.

Step 6: Incorporate Pecans

Now it’s time to add those chopped pecans! Stir them in gently until they’re evenly coated with your delicious mixture.

Step 7: Forming the Pralines

Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about making them perfect; each piece will have its unique charm!

Step 8: Let Cool Completely

Finally, let your pralines cool completely before serving. They’ll firm up as they cool down, making them easy to pick up and enjoy!

Now you’re all set! Enjoy sharing these delightful Vanilla Pecan Pralines with friends and family—trust me; they’ll be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Making pralines can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Vanilla Pecan Pralines turn out perfectly every time!

• Use a Candy Thermometer: This helps you achieve the precise temperature needed for the firm-ball stage, ensuring your pralines have that perfect texture.
• Stir Constantly Until Boiling: Keeping the sugar mixture moving until it boils prevents it from crystallizing and ensures a smooth finish.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the pralines to cool fully on the baking sheet before serving will help them set properly and maintain their shape.
• Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are fantastic, feel free to try other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile!
• Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your pralines fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to a week!

How to Serve Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Presentation can make all the difference when serving your Vanilla Pecan Pralines. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Mint: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness of the pralines.
• Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the pralines enhances their richness and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and vanilla flavor of ice cream pair wonderfully with the rich, nutty taste of pralines, creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy chocolate mousse provides a contrasting texture to the dense pralines, making for an indulgent treat.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the pralines with its natural acidity and freshness, adding a colorful touch to your plate.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving your pralines alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere and enhances the overall tasting experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Vanilla Pecan Pralines will be not only delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy sharing these sweet treats with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for sweet treats to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family. Here’s how you can store them for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled pralines in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• For best taste, pralines are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If desired, warm them slightly in the microwave (no more than 10 seconds) to enhance their gooey texture before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Vanilla Pecan Pralines that might help clarify your cooking experience.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

Absolutely! While pecans offer a delightful flavor and texture, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure they are chopped similarly to ensure even distribution in the mixture.

What makes these Vanilla Pecan Pralines so special?

The combination of sweet vanilla chocolate chips paired with the crunch of pecans creates a rich and creamy texture that is hard to resist. Plus, using vegan marshmallow creme adds a unique twist that makes this recipe stand out from traditional pralines!

How long do Vanilla Pecan Pralines last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Vanilla Pecan Pralines can last up to one week at room temperature or two weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Vanilla Pecan Pralines as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a way to create sweet memories with loved ones. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these pralines bring joy and comfort with every bite. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and savor the delicious flavors that come together so beautifully!