Old Fashioned Pecan Candy

🍬 Old‑Fashioned Pecan Pralines

Ingredients (makes about 20–24 pralines)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup half‑and‑half cream (or evaporated milk)

• 2 cups pecan halves (toasted if desired)

• ⅛ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Based on multiple Southern praline recipes) thespruceeats.com+15culinaryhill.com+15dramaticpancake.com+15reddit.com+1browneyedbaker.com+1browneyedbaker.com+1savvymamalifestyle.com+1tasteofhome.com+2bonappetit.com+2reddit.com+2

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep:
   Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper; lightly butter it. Toast pecans at 350 °F for ~6 min for extra flavor (optional).

2. Cook sugar base:
   In a heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and half‑and‑half. Heat gently, stirring until dissolved. Increase to medium-high and cook, stirring, until mixture reaches soft-ball stage (~235–240 °F). Alternatively, use the water test: a drop in cold water forms a soft, flat ball. reddit.com+1reddit.com+1reddit.com+2culinaryhill.com+2thekitchenmagpie.com+2

3. Finish base:
   Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda (makes it fluffy) and vanilla. Then beat or stir vigorously for about 1–2 minutes until mixture starts thickening and losing shine. southernliving.com+14culinaryhill.com+14reddit.com+14

4. Add nuts & drop:
   Quickly fold in toasted pecans. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls onto the prepared sheet—don’t delay, mixture sets fast. browneyedbaker.com+6reddit.com+6homemade-dessert-recipes.com+6

5. Cool & store:
   Allow pralines to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks.

✅ Tips for Perfection

• Temperature control is key. Avoid stirring sugar before boiling and adjust heat gradually to prevent grainy texture. reddit.com

• Corn syrup helps—adding a tablespoon can prevent crystallization and add depth. dramaticpancake.com+14reddit.com+14reddit.com+14

• Work fast once thickened—cooling praline quickly loses gloss and becomes crumbly. Drop quickly once beaten.

• Humidity matters—on damp days pralines may not set well. Choose a dry baking day.

🌟 Variations

• Brown Candy (“Aunt Bill’s”): Similar, but made in a pan and cut into squares—blends fudge and praline textures. bonappetit.com

• Bourbon Pecan Pralines: Add 1 Tbsp bourbon—Southern Living’s festive twist (makes ~12 pralines). simplyrecipes.com+8browneyedbaker.com+8reddit.com+8

• Salted version: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet‑savory play.

🍽 Serving & Gifting

• Perfect on their own, or as a crunchy ice cream or dessert topping.

• Individually wrap in waxed paper or bundle in tins for festive gifting.

Would you like scaled-down measurements, a step-by-step photo guide, or baking-day shopping list? I’m happy to help!