Transform your dessert game with these indulgent Orange Pralines, a decadent twist on the classic Southern confection. Infused with aromatic orange zest and loaded with buttery pecans, these rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats strike the perfect balance between sweet, nutty, and citrusy flavors. The recipe combines a luscious base of granulated and brown sugar with velvety heavy cream and unsalted butter, carefully cooked to the soft-ball stage for that perfect creamy texture. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness, and a splash of vanilla adds a cozy warmth to each bite. These pralines are quick to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, making them an impressive yet accessible treat for any occasion. Whether you're gifting them or serving them as a post-dinner indulgence, these homemade pralines are guaranteed to wow your family and friends.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to prevent burning.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan without letting it touch the bottom.
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 236°F (113°C), also known as the soft-ball stage. This should take about 10–15 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, and chopped pecans.
Continue stirring the mixture vigorously until it thickens slightly and loses a bit of its shine, roughly 2–3 minutes.
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to harden.
Let the pralines cool and set completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Once set, peel the pralines off the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Serving size | 514.6 grams (514.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2388 |
Total Fat 108.10g | 139% |
Saturated Fat 9.50g | 48% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 182mg | 8% |
Total Carbohydrate 370.00g | 135% |
Dietary Fiber 15.30g | 55% |
Total Sugars 352.20g | |
Protein 14.10g | 28% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 238mg | 18% |
Iron 5mg | 27% |
Potassium 844mg | 18% |
Source of Calories