If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy textures that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent sharing stories over delicious desserts. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight treat or serving them at your next family celebration, these pralines are bound to be a hit!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—who wouldn’t want to brighten someone’s day with homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time! The prep is just 15 minutes and the cooking takes about 20.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, nutty flavor of these pralines.
Make-Ahead Treats: They store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time for parties or as a delightful surprise for guests.
Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of vanilla chocolate chips and pecans creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines is as easy as gathering some simple ingredients from your pantry! Here’s what you need to create these delicious treats:

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

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to make something truly special!

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and try out some variations to suit your taste:

Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs nicely with the vanilla.
Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them out for walnuts or almonds for a different twist.
Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Mix in some dark chocolate chips along with the vanilla chocolate chips for extra decadence.
Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture that complements the crunchy nuts.

How to Make Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by combining the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. It’s important to use a heavy-bottomed pan because it helps prevent scorching as you cook.

Step 2: Cook Until Boiling

Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This step is key because it ensures that all your sugar crystals dissolve evenly.

Step 3: Reach Firm-Ball Stage

Continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This is known as the firm-ball stage; achieving this temperature gives your pralines their wonderful texture.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla chocolate chips until they melt into a smooth mixture. The melted chocolate adds richness and depth to your pralines.

Step 5: Incorporate Marshmallow Creme

Next, stir in the vegan marshmallows creme and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This addition makes your pralines creamier and enhances that lovely vanilla flavor.

Step 6: Mix in Pecans

Finally, add in the chopped pecans and stir until they are evenly coated with the mixture. This step ensures every bite has that delightful crunch we all love!

Step 7: Drop onto Baking Sheet

Using rounded tablespoons, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This creates individual praline pieces that are easy to grab and enjoy.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow your pralines to cool completely before serving. Patience here pays off—the cooling process will allow them to set perfectly!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Vanilla Pecan Pralines! They make great gifts too, so don’t hesitate to share with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Making these delightful Vanilla Pecan Pralines is a breeze with just a few tips that can elevate your candy-making game!

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This ensures even heat distribution, which helps prevent the sugar from burning and allows for perfect caramelization.
Keep stirring until boiling: Stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a boil ensures that the sugar dissolves completely, resulting in a smooth texture without any graininess.
Monitor the temperature closely: Using a candy thermometer is key to achieving the firm-ball stage (245°F or 118°C). This will ensure your pralines have the perfect consistency.
Let them cool completely: Allowing your pralines to cool completely on the parchment-lined baking sheet will help them set properly and maintain their shape when you serve them.
Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to add different nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor dimension. It’s all about making it your own!

How to Serve Vanilla Pecan Pralines

These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them at your next gathering!

Garnishes

Chopped Pecans: A sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds texture and emphasizes the nutty flavor.
Drizzle of Dairy-Free Chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate enhances both taste and presentation, making each piece look like a gourmet treat.

Side Dishes

Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a bright contrast to the rich pralines, balancing out flavors perfectly.
Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving your pralines alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a delightful pairing that complements their sweetness while adding warmth to your dessert experience.
Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of vegan ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the chewy pralines, making for an indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create and present your Vanilla Pecan Pralines beautifully! Enjoy every sweet moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Vanilla Pecan Pralines are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delectable treat anytime. With just a little planning, you can have these delightful bites ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.
For longer shelf life, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

To freeze, place the pralines in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer the frozen pralines to an airtight container or zip-top bag.
They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating

No need to reheat these treats; they are best enjoyed at room temperature!
If desired, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, but be careful not to melt them.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Vanilla Pecan Pralines:

Can I use different nuts in Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor, feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different twist on this classic treat.

How do I know when my Vanilla Pecan Pralines are done cooking?

The mixture should reach 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This ensures your pralines have the perfect texture—firm yet chewy!

Can I make Vanilla Pecan Pralines vegan?

Yes! This recipe already uses vegan marshmallow crème and can be made dairy-free by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative.

What is the best way to serve Vanilla Pecan Pralines?

These pralines are delightful on their own or as part of dessert platters. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea as a sweet afternoon treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Vanilla Pecan Pralines as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they also bring back fond memories of sharing sweet treats with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share it with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy cooking!

Vanilla Pecan Pralines

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 pralines 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Candy making
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Vanilla Pecan Pralines, a creamy and nutty treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. These pralines blend rich flavors with a satisfying texture that will leave your taste buds craving more. Simple to prepare, they are ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create these irresistible bites that not only taste fantastic but also bring warmth and joy to any dessert table. Treat yourself or surprise someone special with these homemade delights!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and sugar dissolves completely.
Boil without stirring until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla chocolate chips until melted.
Mix in vegan marshmallow crème and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in chopped pecans until evenly coated.
Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow to cool completely before serving.