Bourbon Pecan Pralines

Course Candy, Dessert

Cuisine Dessert, Southern

Keyword bourbon-pecan-pralines, pecan-pralines

Prep Time 15

Cooling time 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings pralines

Calories 211kcal

Ingredients

3 cups pecan halves and pieces
1/2 cup salted butter
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2-4 Tbsp bourbon See Cook's note
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Line 2 large baking sheets with wax paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
In a heavy bottomed saucepan melt together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar with cream and corn syrup. Cook, stirring over medium-high heat just until it comes to a boil.
Immediately lower the heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reaches soft ball stage. (Around 236°F) This may take as long as 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in pecans, bourbon and vanilla. Mix with a wooden or non stick spoon for 1-2 minutes or until it begins to thicken and has a matte sheen. Don't skip this step.
Work quickly with 2 Tablespoons dropping onto wax paper in rounds, forming into even shapes. Use one Tablespoon to drop and the other to scrape the mixture from the spoon.
Let sit until completely dry and set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Use a Candy Thermometer for Accuracy - Bourbon Pecan Pralines are in essence, candy. That's why a candy thermometer works well to guide you along the way and ensure your success. Don't be intimidated by this or any recipe, that requires a candy thermometer. It's your best friend, and it takes the guessing out of the process.
Heavy Cream - Pralines are designed to be rich and flavorful. Go the gold and use heavy cream, it's the necessary real deal ingredient in this recipe for making authentic pralines.
Butter - You can use unsalted butter in this recipe. When doing so, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavor.
It's All in the Stirring - Traditional pralines are often stirred until completely opaque before forming into mounds. I've made these so many times, I stop just before that stage to keep the shine, as it's my personal preference. Either way works. Please note, this isn't an invitation to skip the stirring. It's vitally important to stir thoroughly so they'll set up properly.
Bourbon - I recommend Kentucky bourbon for authenticity. You can certainly use you preferred bourbon maker to infuse these pralines with flavor.
Adjust the Amount of Bourbon - There's room to adjust the intensity of bourbon flavor in these pralines. If you want to a stronger bourbon taste, add 4 tablespoons. For just a hint of bourbon flavor use 1-2 tablespoons. It's perfectly acceptable to adjust the amount to your taste.
Substitute for Bourbon - You can add 2 additional teaspoons of vanilla extract to replace the bourbon.

Nutrition