Louisiana Praline Recipe

Name: Louisiana Praline Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 8 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 1/4 cup boiling water; 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: August 17, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – This Louisiana praline recipe requires minimal skills and just a few ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
Rich Flavor – The combination of brown sugar, butter, and pecans creates a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Treat – Perfect as gifts, party favors, or a sweet addition to your dessert table.
Quick Prep Time – With only 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip these up in no time!
Crowd Pleaser – These delightful confections are sure to impress your family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Louisiana pralines, gather your tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Medium saucepan
Candy thermometer
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil or silicone mat
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Candy thermometer – This tool ensures that your pralines reach the perfect temperature for the right texture.
Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring the mixture smoothly without damaging the pan’s surface.

Ingredients

For the Pralines

1 cup Packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Evaporated milk
4 tbsp Unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup Boiling water
1 1/2 cups Toasted and coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup Granulated sugar
4 tbsp Unsalted butter, cubed

How to Make Louisiana Praline Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray or use a silicone mat on the baking sheet.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
1. White sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Evaporated milk

Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Cook the Candy Mixture

Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture. Cook the candy while stirring occasionally until the thermometer reads 240°F. Remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Add Butter and Let Sit

Drop cubes of butter on top of the mixture without stirring. Let it sit for 1 minute.

Step 5: Mix in Vanilla and Pecans

Add vanilla extract and pecans. Stir smoothly and constantly with a wooden spoon until combined.

Step 6: Thicken and Drop Pralines

Continue stirring as the candy thickens and lightens in color. Once it holds its shape but is still easy to stir, quickly drop small spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Final Steps

Work quickly as the pralines will set in the saucepan. If the candy stiffens before you’re done, add a spoonful of boiling hot water and stir until it loosens. Continue scooping until all the pralines are formed.

Step 8: Set at Room Temperature

Allow the candy to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until fully hardened.

Enjoy your homemade Louisiana pralines!

How to Serve Louisiana Praline Recipe

These delectable Louisiana pralines are versatile treats that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a sweet snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.

As a Standalone Treat

Enjoy them as a quick snack during the day. Their rich flavor makes them satisfying on their own.

With Coffee or Tea

Pairing pralines with your favorite coffee or tea enhances their sweetness and creates a delightful afternoon treat.

Gift Packaging

Package pralines in decorative boxes or bags for thoughtful gifts. They make perfect homemade gifts for holidays and special occasions.

Dessert Platter

Arrange pralines on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like brownies and cookies for an inviting dessert table.

Ice Cream Topping

Crushed pralines can be sprinkled over vanilla ice cream for added crunch and flavor, turning a simple dessert into something special.

In Baked Goods

Chop pralines finely and incorporate them into muffins or cakes for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.

How to Perfect Louisiana Praline Recipe

Achieving the perfect Louisiana praline requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you make the best treats possible.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter, sugar, and pecans make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Monitor temperature closely: Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the correct temperature for the right consistency.
Stir consistently: Stirring constantly as the mixture thickens helps achieve an even texture without burning.
Work quickly: Once the mixture reaches the right consistency, drop it onto the baking sheet promptly before it sets.
Adjust with water: If the mixture thickens too quickly, add a spoonful of boiling water to loosen it up.
Let them cool completely: Allowing pralines to cool at room temperature ensures they harden perfectly without becoming too soft.

Best Side Dishes for Louisiana Praline Recipe

While pralines shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that balances the sweetness of pralines.
Chocolate Chip Cookies – The classic cookie pairs well with pralines for those who love chocolate and caramel flavors together.
Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pralines.
Cheesecake Bites – Miniature cheesecake bites provide a rich and tangy counterpart to the sweet praline treats.
Pecan Pie Bars – For nut lovers, pecan pie bars offer similar flavors that complement the pecans in the pralines.
Sweet Potato Casserole – This dish’s warmth and sweetness harmonize with caramelized flavors found in pralines.
Coffee Cake – A slice of coffee cake is perfect for brunch or afternoon snacking alongside your delicious pralines.
Caramel Brownies – Rich caramel brownies echo the sweet notes of pralines while providing a fudgy texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Louisiana pralines can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

Temperature Check: Not using a candy thermometer can result in pralines that are either too soft or too hard. Always check the temperature for perfect consistency.
Stirring Too Much: Over-stirring while cooking can cause the sugar to crystallize, ruining the texture. Stir gently and only when necessary.
Skipping the Nuts: Forgetting to toast your pecans may lead to bland flavors. Toast them beforehand for added depth and crunch.
Not Working Quickly: Pralines set fast! If you take too long, they may harden in the pot. Scoop them onto the sheet promptly once ready.
Incorrect Storage: Storing pralines in an airtight container without parchment paper can make them sticky. Use parchment between layers to keep them separate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Louisiana pralines in an airtight container.
They will last about 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Louisiana Praline Recipe

Wrap each praline individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Louisiana Praline Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F and warm pralines on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Place one or two pralines on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: You can warm them gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Louisiana praline recipe.

What is a Louisiana Praline Recipe?

A Louisiana praline recipe is a traditional Southern dessert made with sugar, butter, cream, and pecans, resulting in sweet, chewy candies.

How do I know if my pralines are done?

Pralines are done when they reach 240°F on a candy thermometer. This ensures they have the right consistency.

Can I customize my Louisiana Praline Recipe?

Yes! You can add flavors like vanilla or chocolate chips for variation. Experiment with different nuts as well!

How should I store leftover pralines?

Store leftover pralines in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

This Louisiana praline recipe is not only easy to make but also offers delightful flavors that will impress anyone who tries them. With options for customization, you can tailor this treat to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll love the sweet satisfaction it brings!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card