Description
Pecan pralines dance with Southern charm in this classic Old Fashion Pecan Candy recipe. Creamy caramel and buttery pecans merge into a sweet symphony that melts deliciously on your palate, inviting you to savor a taste of traditional Southern hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 (6-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
Fat and Dairy:
- 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a clean surface by laying out wax paper for candy cooling.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderate flame until completely liquefied.
- Gradually incorporate sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth blend.
- Elevate heat and allow mixture to reach a rolling boil, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
- Maintain boiling for approximately 5 minutes, watching for gradual thickening of the confection’s consistency.
- Carefully remove pan from heat source and swiftly introduce vanilla extract, stirring with deliberate motions.
- Fold chopped pecans throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of nutty elements.
- Using a spoon, carefully deposit dollops of the warm candy onto prepared wax paper.
- Allow candies to rest and solidify at room temperature until completely firm and set, approximately 30-45 minutes.
Notes
- Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during candy making.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, aiming for the soft-ball stage around 235-240°F for perfect texture.
- Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Store finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg