Pecan Pralines (With Optional Coconut)

As I’ve mentioned before, toasting nuts before adding them to candy (or anything, really) makes the final result much more flavorful. Pecan pralines are no exception to this rule, and if you want, you can include coconut as well. I’ve included it in the instructions.

Toasting

Preheat the oven to 350 and spread on a cookie sheet;

1 1/2 c. pecans or

3/4 c. pecans and 3/4 c. coconut flakes

Toast the nut(s) for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Set them aside for now.

The Pralines

Melt in a saucepan:

6 T. butter

Add the following and heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until you reach soft ball stage (235-240 degrees).

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 T. corn syrup

3/4 c. heavy cream

I like to use my meat thermometer since I’ve broken a few of the glass candy thermometers. I also test with cold water once I’ve reached the lower end of the temperate range.

Remove from the heat and stir in:

1 T. vanilla

the toasted pecans (and coconut, if using)

Scoop the pralines into small mounds onto waxed paper. (I use my cookie scoop, which is about 1 1/2 T, but I think half that size would be better.) Let them cool until they’ve completely set.

Pecan pralines would make a delicious holiday gift, but your household might eat them all before you get the chance. The ones with coconut taste like a condensed version of German chocolate cake, minus the cake.

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pralines

Pecan Pralines (With Optional Coconut)

Pecan pralines would make a delicious holiday gift, but your household might eat them all before you get the chance. 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans chopped
  • 3/4 cup flaked coconut decrease nuts to 3/4 cup if using
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 and spread the nuts onto a baking sheet. Toast for 10-15 minutes, less if using coconut.
    1 1/2 cups pecans, 3/4 cup flaked coconut
  • Melt the butter in a pot. Add the sugars and cream and stir occasionally until you reach soft ball stage (235-240). Test with cold water at the lower end of the range.
    6 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon corn syrup, 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • Remove the candy from the heat and stir in the vanilla and toasted nuts. Scoop the pralines into small mounds onto waxed paper. Let them cool until they’ve completely set.
    1 tablespoon vanilla
Keyword candy
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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