Vanilla Pecan Pralines

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are not just delicious; they carry a warm, comforting vibe that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up on a busy weeknight or sharing them at family gatherings, these pralines are sure to become a favorite in your home.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You can effortlessly mix up a batch and have them ready to enjoy in no time. Plus, the rich vanilla and nutty flavor will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet, nutty flavor—perfect for sharing!
• Make Ahead: These Vanilla Pecan Pralines keep well, so feel free to make them in advance for parties or special events.
• Customizable: The recipe allows for fun variations so you can switch things up based on what you have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Vanilla Pecan Pralines. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

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

One of the best things about this Vanilla Pecan Pralines recipe is its flexibility! Don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor it to your taste preferences.

• Add some spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate these pralines with a warm touch.
• Try different nuts: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a unique twist.
• Incorporate dried fruits: Adding raisins or cranberries can give an unexpected burst of flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pralines.

How to Make Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by combining sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. This step is crucial because using a heavy pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing your mixture from scorching as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts boiling. This ensures that all ingredients meld together beautifully before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Boil Until Ready

Continue boiling without stirring until your candy thermometer reads 245°F (118°C), which is known as the firm-ball stage. Reaching this temperature is key to achieving that perfect praline texture—trust me; it’s worth it!

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in your vanilla chocolate chips until they melt into the creamy mixture. This will give those pralines their rich flavor and smooth consistency.

Step 5: Stir in Marshmallow Creme

Next, add the vegan marshmallows creme and vanilla extract into your mixture. Stir well until everything is nicely combined; this adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of your pralines.

Step 6: Mix in Pecans

Now it’s time to add those beautiful chopped pecans! Stir gently but thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with that luscious mixture—it’s what makes these pralines so irresistible.

Step 7: Shape Your Pralines

Using rounded tablespoons, drop dollops of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to work quickly while it’s still warm; this helps shape them nicely before they cool and harden.

Step 8: Let Cool

Finally, allow your pralines to cool completely before serving. This will help them set properly so everyone can enjoy their delightful crunch when they take that first bite!

With these easy steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines that are sure to bring joy wherever they go!

Pro Tips for Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you achieve perfect results every time!

• Use a candy thermometer: This ensures precision in achieving the firm-ball stage, which is crucial for the right texture.
• Stir constantly: As you cook the mixture, stirring helps prevent sugar crystals from forming, leading to smooth and creamy pralines.
• Chop pecans evenly: Uniform pieces not only look good but also ensure that every praline has the same delightful crunch.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your pralines to cool fully on the baking sheet will help them set properly and maintain their shape when served.

How to Serve Vanilla Pecan Pralines

These rich and creamy Vanilla Pecan Pralines are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ideas to present this sweet treat beautifully.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of vegan chocolate: A light drizzle of melted vegan chocolate over the pralines adds an elegant touch and enhances their flavor.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can elevate the sweetness and create a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the pralines and adds a burst of color to your dessert table.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture and cool temperature of vanilla ice cream perfectly complement the warm, gooey pralines.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free whipped cream offers a lovely contrast while adding another layer of flavor.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving these pralines with a warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea creates a comforting experience that’s perfect for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a special treat or just want something sweet on hand, these pralines store beautifully!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled pralines in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• Avoid storing them in the fridge, as moisture can affect their texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the pralines in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container.
• They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• To bring back that delightful texture, let the pralines sit at room temperature before serving.
• If they become too hard after freezing, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Vanilla Pecan Pralines:

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

Absolutely! While pecans give these pralines their signature flavor, you can experiment with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

How should I store my Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

Store your Vanilla Pecan Pralines in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. They last about a week!

What is the best way to ensure my Vanilla Pecan Pralines turn out smooth?

Make sure to constantly stir while cooking until the sugar dissolves completely. Using a candy thermometer helps achieve that perfect firm-ball stage!

Can I use regular marshmallow fluff instead of vegan marshmallows creme?

While regular marshmallow fluff could work, it may alter the final texture slightly. For best results, stick with vegan marshmallows creme.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Vanilla Pecan Pralines as much as I do! They’re not only rich and creamy but also filled with love and warmth that makes every bite special. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Happy cooking!