Sea Salt Pecan Pralines
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
A delightful marriage of toasted pecans and buttery caramel with a modern salty twist, creating a classic Southern confection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 12 pralines
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
- Toast the pecan halves until fragrant and lightly golden, then let them cool slightly.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and fine sea salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts.
- Continue cooking until the caramel mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
- Beat the mixture briefly with a wooden spoon until it thickens slightly and begins to lose some of its glossy appearance.
- Quickly scoop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming rustic praline clusters.
- Immediately sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over each praline.
- Let the pralines cool completely until firm and set.
- Serve and enjoy the glossy caramel coating with crunchy toasted pecans and a delicate salty finish.
Notes
- Keep a small bowl of ice water nearby to test caramel stage if you lack a thermometer.
- Watch the weather forecast, as humidity can prevent pralines from hardening.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and avoid vigorous stirring once boiling begins.
- Wash down pan sides with a wet pastry brush during cooking to avoid grainy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 praline
- Calories: 240