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39 Comments

Classic Louisiana Pralines

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Updated: Nov 19, 2024

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This post may contain affiliate links.

Wonderfully indulgent, Louisiana Pralines are all about buttery southern pecans wrapped in blankets of rich, soft, fudge-like caramel candy made from brown sugar, cream, and butter. A true, easy-to-make southern tradition, Pralines make the perfect Christmas candy!

Classic Louisiana Pecans are a nutty fudge-like candy with a caramel flavor.


What Are Pralines?

Pralines, pronounced prah-leans if you’re from Louisiana, is a marvelous little New Orleans treat. A soft, homemade candy made of brown sugar, butter and pecans, they have a velvety, texture similar to fudge with a rich nutty, buttery, caramel-like flavor. The perfect praline should literally melt in your mouth when you take that first bite!

Related Recipe: Honey Spiced Pecans, Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars

pralines are a traditional Christmas candy

And it’s that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them so irresistible! Don’t let the idea of “making candy” scare you off. It did me for a long time. Oh, think of all those years I wasted without their caramel-y, nutty goodness!

When I decided to take the plunge, I found out that Pralines are actually easy to make! Especially when you know a few simple tips and tricks.

More Christmas Treats: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Bark with Cranberries

Pralines are made from butter, brown sugar, pecans and cream.

Ingredients for The Best Louisiana Pralines

It only takes 7 simple staple ingredients to whip up these decadent southern candies!

  • brown sugar
  • heavy whipping cream- This recipe uses cream instead of evaporated milk because it gives the candy a creamy texture and nice, full body.
  • light corn syrup
  • salt
  • real salted butter– margarine or anything other than real butter does not work in this recipe
  • pecan halves
  • vanilla extract
How to make Louisiana Praline Candy

How to Make Classic Louisiana Pralines

Make the Soft Candy Part. Softly boil brown sugar, cream, corn syrup and salt in a large sauce pan over medium-low heat. Add butter and let mixture continue to low boil while stirring for 5-6 minutes.

If you have a candy thermometer, a quick check to see if your candy has reached 236- 240 degrees Fahrenheit will let you know it’s done. If you don’t, then just drop a little in a cup of cold water after 5 minutes of boiling. If the mixture forms a ball, then the candy is ready!

Add The Pecans. Remove from heat and quickly fold in the pecans and vanilla using a wooden spoon. Stir constantly until the candy begins to thicken. Think shiny, melted peanut butter.

Spoon Out The Pralines. Use a large soup spoon to scoop out heaping spoonfuls of candy and drop them onto parchment paper to set. It usually takes about 30 minutes.

pro tip for making the best pralines
upclose of a pecan praline to show candy texture and chopped pecans

Tips for Making The Best Pralines

What If My Candy Gets Too Thick? If the candy begins to set before you get it all scooped, simply add 1 spoonful of boiling water to the mixture, stir until it loosens up and continue scooping.

What If My Candy Is Too Thin? If the candy is too thin, it will run and spread out too much when spooned onto the parchment paper. Test by scooping out one spoonful. If the mixture needs to be thicker, simply continue stirring until the the candy thickens up.

Humidity. Our humidity here in the South definitely affects whether or not your pralines will set up. Your best bet is to avoid making candy when it’s raining or on high humidity days.

Pralines make great holiday gifts and are ideal for Christmas cookie exchanges

Holiday Gifts & Christmas Cookie Exchanges

Pralines make scrumptiously thoughtful gifts during the holiday season. Fill cookie tins or pastry boxes (using parchment paper between layers), tie with ribbon and give a gift everyone will want more of!

Pralines also are ideal for Christmas cookie exchanges. Mix them onto a cookie platter for an extra bit of holiday yum this season!

7 sweet Christmas treats and snacks perfect for sharing, as homemade gifts, Christmas parties and enjoying around the tree.

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse
pralines are a traditional Christmas candy

Classic Louisiana Pralines

Wonderfully indulgent, Louisiana Pralines are all about buttery southern pecans wrapped in blankets of rich, soft, fudge-like caramel candy made from brown sugar, cream, and butter.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy, Christmas, holiday, Louisiana, party
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Set Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 36 pralines
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Ingredients

  • 3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ stick real salted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • 3 cups pecan halves, rough chopped
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine brown sugar, cream, corn syrup and salt in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring regularly. Add butter and let mixture low boil while stirring for 5-6 minutes or until it reaches 236- 240 degrees Fahrenheit using a candy thermometer or when mixture forms a ball when dropped in a measuring cup of cold water.
  • Remove from heat and fold in pecans and vanilla with a wooden spoon. Stir constantly until candy begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes). When it becomes the consistency of melted peanut butter, quickly drop heaping spoonfuls onto parchment paper to set.
  • Let stand 30 minutes or until firm. Should be the consistency of fudge when ready.
pralines are a traditional Christmas candy
Did you make my Classic Louisiana Pralines?Show me how it went! Share on Instagram, tag @southerndiscourse, and use the hashtag #SouthernDiscourse!
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7 Louisiana Holiday Recipes to spice up your holiday meal & get togethers! From jambalaya to easy gumbo, shrimp & Smoked Gouda cheese grits, Dirty Rice, bread pudding & spiced pecans, this flavor packed, authentic collection will add a little special to your classic holiday menu!
Buttery, rich, crunchy pecans show off their best in these 7 amazing recipes for both sweet and savory pecan favorites! From ham, cheeseballs, brownies, pie bars and more, this week's Saturday Seven collection has what it takes to carry you through the holidays with the South's most cherished nut.
Wonderfully indulgent, Louisiana Pralines are all about buttery southern pecans wrapped in blankets of rich, soft, fudge-like caramel candy made from brown sugar, cream, and butter.  A southern tradition, Pralines make the perfect Christmas candy!
https://www.pinterest.com/SouthernDiscourse/all-the-best-from-southern-discourse/

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Filed Under: Desserts, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: candy, Christmas, holidays, Louisiana, Louisiana holiday, party, southern classics

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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    5 from 11 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Avatar photoLinda

    December 10, 2021 at 9:32 am

    These pralines look delicious! I’m confused with the butter measurement, isn’t 1/2 stick of butter 8 Tablespoons?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 10, 2021 at 11:26 am

      Hi, Linda! 1/2 stick of butter is 4 Tablespoons. 1/2 CUP of butter is 8 tablespoons. Hope this helps!

      Reply
    • Avatar photoKaren

      January 4, 2023 at 3:53 pm

      1/2 stick butter = 4 tablespoons

      Reply
  2. Avatar photoSharon

    December 18, 2021 at 4:43 pm

    How long do they last?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 20, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      Hi, Sharon! They last about one week if covered tightly and stored in a cool, dry area.

      Reply
      • Avatar photoKitty

        November 15, 2024 at 11:19 pm

        can they be frozen? or will the suger go funky?

        Reply
        • Stacey PirtleStacey

          November 17, 2024 at 12:57 pm

          Hi, Kitty! Some praline recipes say you can freeze them, but I haven’t good results with that. When they thaw, the condensation makes the surface texture unappealing to me. They do last 2-2 1/2 weeks though if kept dry in an airtight container.

          Reply
  3. Avatar photoPenny

    December 18, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    Are these pralines chewy? Or will they break apart? I have eaten both types.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 20, 2021 at 11:56 am

      Hi, Penny! These pralines are not chewy or hard. The closest I can describe it is as a soft, fudge-like texture.

      Reply
  4. Avatar photoBobbie Richards

    December 24, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    How many pralines will this recipe make?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 26, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      Hi, Bobbie! The top of the recipe card lists the serving as 36 pralines. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Avatar photoSusan

    December 31, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    Delicious and easy to make! Have made it twice this month already. Cut recipe in half the first time I made in case I didn’t like it. That was a mistake, all eaten very quickly! Have some cooling off right now, yum!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      January 2, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      Hi, Susan! Twice! Woohoo!! That is just awesome. Thank you so much for letting this recipe be a part of your Christmas and New Year cheer. It just makes my day!

      Reply
  6. Avatar photoCr

    October 30, 2022 at 9:04 am

    Can they be frozen

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      November 7, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      Hi, Reyn! I usually don’t freeze mine, but many people do. Freeze them like you would fudge. Place wax paper between any layers so that they don’t touch. Freeze for up to 2 months in an air tight container. Allow to thaw at room temp. As with most food, i think pralines are best when fresh. If you freeze them, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoMarcia Robinson

        December 21, 2022 at 9:37 am

        I tried making these this morning and mine turned out very thin and runny. Suggestions? What did I do wrong? I used a candy thermometer.😩

        Reply
        • Stacey Pirtlestacey

          December 21, 2022 at 12:06 pm

          Hi, Marcia! Oh no! Did you read the tips section? It could be that the candy just needed to be stirred longer. If I spoon out my first praline and it spreads out thin, I know that it has not been stirred long enough. I simply go back to stirring until the mixture is thick like peanut butter.

          Reply
  7. Avatar photoPWood

    December 13, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    All I have is half and half, can I use that?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 14, 2022 at 12:01 am

      You sure can! Should work just fine.

      Reply
      • Avatar photoPWood

        December 31, 2022 at 12:56 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you Stacey for your answer. You are so right, the half and half worked perfectly. Everyone is raving about your recipe. Thank you for this easy to follow recipe.

        Reply
        • Stacey Pirtlestacey

          January 6, 2023 at 11:05 am

          You are so very welcome! I am so excited that everyone loved it. Thank you!

          Reply
  8. Avatar photoLarry Likes

    November 18, 2023 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    This is very good recipe we enjoy it very much. Going to make again for sure.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      November 19, 2023 at 2:23 am

      Hi, Larry! I am so tickled to hear you enjoyed this praline recipe are going to make it again! Thank you! They are such a wonderful holiday treat.

      Reply
  9. Avatar photoLarry Likes

    November 24, 2023 at 10:22 pm

    5 stars
    These are just the best everyone that has tried them absolutely love them and are asking for more. Thank you so much for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      November 26, 2023 at 5:55 pm

      Hi, Larry! You are so welcome! I am just tickled that everyone loved these bars. Thank you for making them and sharing them!

      Reply
  10. Avatar photoJudy

    December 19, 2023 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    These turned out delicious and just how I remember as a child. Mine were thicker but beautiful.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 21, 2023 at 11:19 am

      Hi, Judy! This makes my day! It’s always wonderful when a memory is recaptured. That is one reason I cook and share recipes! Thank you so much.

      Reply
  11. Avatar photoJackie Fi

    December 22, 2023 at 6:04 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made these twice now, mostly for gifts. Everyone loves them and they really are easy to make.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 25, 2023 at 11:23 am

      Hi, Jackie! Thank you! I am so tickled you’ve made them for gifts. That’s awesome! Good food is always meant to be shared. Merry, merry Christmas!

      Reply
  12. Avatar photoAllison Hall

    December 24, 2023 at 7:17 am

    5 stars
    So easy and so delicious!! I have always been afraid of making candy, but these were a breeze! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 25, 2023 at 12:40 pm

      Hi, Allison! You are so welcome! This makes my day! I couldn’t be happier that made and loved this recipe.

      Reply
  13. Avatar photoJulie

    January 25, 2024 at 3:03 pm

    I have always been told that to make Pralines it has to be a cold clear sunny day and low humidity is this true with this recipe

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 26, 2024 at 1:10 pm

      Hi, Julie! I know everyone hates reading recipe posts, but your question is answered under the “Tips for Making The Best Pralines” section of the post. I hope you get a chance to read through the post, tips and steps and make this recipe! So many have found it super easy and had really good success. Enjoy!

      Reply
  14. Avatar photoJanet

    January 27, 2024 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    These bring up memories made with my mom so many years ago. I remember helping her scoop up the gooey mixture of yumminess and getting onto parchment paper before it would set. Somehow she made it look easy and even though it is more daunting than my mom made it seem, the taste is spot on. Great recipe….Highly recommend. I should say that this is my second time making these and both times my guest loved them. I am a baby when it comes to making anything sweet. I am more of a savory cook.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      January 30, 2024 at 3:14 pm

      Hi, Janet! What a wonderful memory! Thank you so much for your comment and for making these pralines and sharing them! Sharing is what good cooking is all about. You’re the best!

      Reply
  15. Avatar photoAnita B

    October 12, 2024 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    This is the absolute BEST praline recipe! This is now my go-to recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      October 21, 2024 at 11:39 am

      Hi, Anita! You are so welcome! I am just tickled you love this recipe! Thank you!! Pralines are such a special treat. ❤️

      Reply
  16. Avatar photoJody Cardoso

    January 14, 2025 at 9:33 am

    Can these be spooned into cookie cutter for shaping.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      March 25, 2025 at 5:31 pm

      Hi, Jody! I’ve never tried that. I don’t think it will work, but I’m definitely not against trying it. Might have to grease the cookie cutters lightly?? If you test it, let me know how it goes!

      Reply

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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