This melt in your mouth Pecan Candy is made with a few simple ingredients
consisting of pecans, evaporated milk, sugar, and butter!
Watch us make this recipe!
What is Pecan candy aka Pralines?
Southern pecan candy is a soft, sweet candy that is made with pecans, sugar, butter, and some form of dairy.
So there are a variety of ways to make this Pecan candy. Some use evaporated milk like I used for this recipe, some use regular milk, condensed milk, chopped pecans vs. who whole pecans, salted butter vs. unsalted butter etc.
I'm saying that to say you can play around with this recipe to tailor it to your liking. My recipe method was taught by my great aunt.
She along with my grandmother have made this recipe for years and what better way to learn how to make a recipe, but from a veteran.
So let's get into this recipe so I can show you how it's done!
More recipes ---> Oreo Cheesecake, Sopapilla Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, Pecan Candy, Apple Pie Cheesecake Tacos, Homemade Cheesecake, Lemon Lime No Bake Cheesecake, Easy Peach Cobbler, Oreo Cheesecake, Sopapilla Cheesecake, Butter Swim Biscuits, Pecan Pie Cheesecake.
I took her tips and kept this recipe basic. I tried it via other methods and wasn't as successful. One method I tried was adding the sugar, butter, and milk to the pan at the same time to make the recipe.
Using this method, the pecan candy did not want to thicken properly; therefore, I definitely recommend that you wait to add the butter as the last step.
Now that I've offered you a little trial and error, let's get into what you will need to make this recipe...
Ingredients needed for this recipe:
Steps to make this recipe:
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and sit it to the side. In a medium-sized saucepan add the evaporated milk and sugar.
Stir continuously as the mixture begins to foam and boil. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and starts to form small bubbles.
If using a candy thermometer, continue to stir until it reaches approximately 240 degrees. Using a rubber spatula, fold the pecans into the mixture until combined.
Steps to make this recipe continued.....
Turn off the heat and fold the butter until the mixture. Stir the butter until the mixture until combined for approximately 3 minutes.
Using a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper allowing for space in between each piece of candy.
If the mixture starts to cool/thicken more than you prefer, place it back on the warm burner (but don’t turn it on) to warm the mixture and also stir in between scooping the candy onto the parchment paper.
Allow the pralines to cool and firm before serving.
Last tips..
The thickness and firmness of this pecan candy recipe depends on how long you stir the candy and the temperature of the candy once you start dropping it on the parchment paper.
I would recommend that you do a test drop to determine if the candy is to your liking before dropping additional pieces of candy on the parchment paper.
As with any recipe, the more that you practice, the more you will perfect the recipe to your liking.
Enjoy!
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Ingredients
- ½ c unsalted butter- cubed
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 c pecan pieces
- 1 c evaporated milk
Instructions
- Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and sit it to the side.
- In a medium-size saucepan add the evaporated milk and sugar. Stir continuously as the mixture begins to foam and boil.
- Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and starts to form small bubbles. If using a candy thermometer, continue to stir until it reaches approximately 240 degrees.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold the pecans into the mixture until combined.
- Turn off the heat and fold the butter until the mixture. Stir the butter until the mixture until combined for approximately 3 minutes.
- Using a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper allowing for space in between each piece of candy.
- If the mixture starts to cool/thicken more than you prefer, place it back on the warm burner (but don’t turn it on) to warm the mixture and also stir in between scooping the candy onto the parchment paper.
- Allow the pralines to cool and firm before serving.
Phalini McLeod says
Although mine were a little too soft, they were pretty good. Easy recipe and will try again. Hope next time to do even better.
Ashley Frederick says
Thank you! Maybe adjusting the amount of butter you use or cooking them a little longer after adding the butter next time will be better for you.
Valorie P says
Second time making this and I am SOLD this is the easiest and the BEST ever recipe. Just follow the directions and you can't fail. Love, love, love this recipe!
Ashley Frederick says
Thank you so much Valorie! I'm glad that I could help. We're all about keeping it simple over here!
Valorie says
I have prepared pecan candy for many years. Ran across this simple and easy recipe and was unable to resist due to the simplicity of the recipe. I must say, "Whip It Like Butter's", way of preparing this candy is truly AWESOME. Adding the butter in the end is the secret and the magic to making this soft (hard) candy and not as sweet as some others I have tried. Thanks for this wonderful recipe.
Whip it like Butter says
Thank you so much Valorie! I'm glad you loved the recipe. You're right, adding the butter at the end definitely does the trick.
pdr says
I have one question, can/do you add vanilla extract (1 tsp). I have been looking for a recipe similar to my aunt’s –misplaced my copy of her original recipe. Your recipe reminds me of hers. Your video is easy to follow. Thank you.
Whip it like Butter says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the recipe
Pdr says
I have one question, can/do you add vanilla extract (1 tsp). I have been looking for a recipe similar to my aunt's --misplaced my copy of her original recipe. Your recipe reminds me of hers.
Thank you.
Whip it like Butter says
Thank you! I have not tried the recipe with vanilla. If you choose to try it with vanilla, I would add it at the very end since extracts can evaporate.
Lisa says
I add vanilla to mine at the end
Whip it like Butter says
Okay great!
Sallie C says
Thank you so much for this recipe and your video! I have searched for something like this and for this recipe for years. You have a way with food and teaching that makes me feel like I am home with Mama, learning beside her. I plan to make this and to visit your site a lot! Gratitude and blessings!
Whip it like Butter says
Thank you Sallie! I really appreciate those kind words. I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a happy holiday!